In a press conference on Thursday, Governor Rauner has stated that he would indeed sign House Bill 40, ensuring that the tax-paying residents of Illinois will be paying for the killing of innocent lives. This bill provides taxpayer funding of abortion and ensures that abortion remains legal in Illinois despite what the Supreme Court of the United States may decide regarding Roe v. Wade. This bill has the potential to reverse almost every pro-life effort made in Illinois expands taxpayer funding of abortions - for any reason.
During the press conference, Governor Rauner confirmed that he is, always has been and always will be Pro-Abortion. The Illinois Federation for Right to Life is not surprised.
State Representative David McSweeney told us that "On April 14th, Governor Rauner promised Illinois citizens he would veto HB40, which would expand state funding for Abortions." The Governor turned his back on his party and failed to keep his word.
Illinois is a bankrupt state. Our governor now adds the cost of abortions to the enormous debt. Taxpayers are already reeling from the legislature raising Illinois' state income tax by 32%. State Rep. David McSweeney also told us that "In 2014, Bruce Rauner promised Illinois taxpayers a tax cut and a 3% income tax rate. Instead, we ended up with a 32% increase in the income tax rate." Gov. Rauner failed to keep his word again.
Gov. Rauner released the following statement:
“I understand abortion is a very emotional issue with passionate opinions on both sides. I sincerely respect those who believe abortion is morally wrong. They are good people motivated by principle.
“But, as I have always said, I believe a woman should have the right to make that choice herself and I do not believe that choice should be determined by income. I do not think it’s fair to deny poor women the choice that wealthy women have.
“That is why I am signing HB40.
“This is not a new position – I campaigned on this principle in 2014 and it is a principle I have tried to live up to throughout my life.
“I have spent the past couple of months talking to people on both sides of this issue. I have also spent a lot of time meeting with women across Illinois and listening to their personal stories, particularly low-income women who do not have the same luxuries that many of us have. Their stories and their struggles are real and they have touched me in a very personal way. They deserve to have a choice as much as anyone else.
“I know there will be many people who disagree and I respect their opinions. I respect their passion. It is my hope that good people can disagree respectfully and can come together on other important issues that affect our state.”
Congressman Peter Roskam stated “This bill is dangerous. It forces taxpayers to be complicit in the act of abortion even if they believe abortion to be morally reprehensible."
More on what to expect with the implementation of HB40...
- The State Employee's Insurance will cover the expenses of an abortion.
- Public aid will cover abortions or "induced miscarriages".
- A doctor cannot be stopped from performing medical services including an abortion even if he/she had been found guilty of performing an unwanted abortion procedure.
- It removes the need to include the physicians opinion regarding the abortion.
- The Department of Human Services would be allowed to provide money or grants to organizations or companies that perform abortions.
- Keeps abortion legal if the Roe Vs. Wade Decision is reversed.
- An unborn child is NOT be considered a human being and so the unborn child does NOT have the right to life.
We may have lost this battle over HB40, but the war continues and as pro-lifers we can never quit. We must still stand for all the voiceless. We must continue to push, and educate legislators. We must re-group and fight even harder. In order to do this we need your help. Please continue to share our news and alerts, continue to pray for the changing of the minds of those elected to be our voices. Encourage more pro-life people to run for office and change the shape of Illinois. Please make a donation to ensure we can continue to be a strong pro-life presence in Illinois, in the Capitol and online. Please support us in this fight.
