16 February 2010

Here we go again

It seems the Illinois version of the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" is back, as we knew it would be.

From the Catholic Conference of Illinois:

The abortion bill we worked so hard to defeat last year has been reintroduced as House Bill 6205. We must mobilize our networks to contact State Representatives and urge the defeat of House Bill 6205.

Like last year, this legislation seeks to: (1) pay for abortions and many other types of reproductive healthcare (including contraceptives) with public funds; (2) make any regulation of abortion beyond the purview of state and local government; and (3) demand that the proponent’s version of comprehensive sex education be taught in every school, grades K thru 12.

The supporters of House Bill 6205 claim this year’s version of the legislation excludes the Health Care Right of Conscience and Parental Notification of Abortion Acts. We have carefully read HB 6205. Their claims are incorrect. In Section 15, the legislation states that notwithstanding any other current law neither the state nor any political subdivision may “interfere” with access to abortion.

Judging by past legislative initiatives and lawsuits, the proponents obviously believe these important laws constitute state “interference” with access to abortion. This legislation is designed to set up legal challenges to both statutes and strip away health care professionals’ right of conscience and parents’ right to know of their daughters’ well being.

Linked below are talking points and a fact sheet on House Bill 6205. Use them to familiarize yourself with the bill and then call your state representative with a message similar to:

"House Bill 6205 seeks to publicly fund abortion, undermine the Health Care Right of Conscience and Parental Notification of Abortion Acts and impose comprehensive sex education on all students, K-12, in this state. It is extreme, unnecessary legislation. Please vote NO."

To find your state representative, go to www.ilga.gov and click on Legislator Lookup in the lower, right-hand portion of the page. You can then search your state representative by district #, home address, or zip code. You can also call our offices at 312-368-1066 or 217-528-9200.

Click here for Talking Points.

Click here for Fact Sheet.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for letting us know! Surely we won't hear about this on the 6 o'clock news.

    ReplyDelete