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| IL Gov JB Pritzker (D) |
"More than 75% of this clinic’s patients are from out-of-state – coming from places like Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Kentucky, sometimes traveling eight-plus hours and hundreds of miles to get basic reproductive care," Pritzker said. "Often these patients have struggled to get the necessary childcare, lodging, and time off work. They’re patients who’ve struggled to find enough money to travel this far. Patients who’ve had to answer personal questions to their employers or had to invent a reason to be gone for days. Patients who’ve faced hurdles at every turn in the pursuit of basic healthcare. And let’s be crystal clear about this point: abortion is healthcare."
The Fairview Heights Planned Parenthood clinic was constructed secretly under the name of a shell company. The primary reason for its creation was to combat pro-life policies enacted in Missouri. Since then, the clinic has also created a national call center to connect women with abortion resources.
Pritzker addressed US lawmakers voting once again on the "Women's Health Protection Act," saying, "there is no archaic rule, no parliamentary maneuver, no matter that is more critical than protecting the lives and bodily autonomy of more than 160 million people. It’s long past time for this nation to codify Roe v. Wade into law. If it takes overhauling the filibuster, then overhaul the filibuster. If it requires countless hours of pleading and deliberation, then get to work. If it takes courage, find it."
The lives of innocent children deserve protection under the law, and that protection is critical. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the lives of millions can be saved through life-affirming state legislation. Unfortunately, Illinois is poised to undercut life-saving policies enacted by neighboring states.
