Judge throws out legal challenge to Illinois abortion law

Posted on December 28, 2017

Conservative candidate for Illinois governor, State Rep. Jeanne Ives, backed a legal challenge to a state law permitting taxpayer funded abortions for women on Medicaid and for state government employees. (Photo courtesy ilga.gov)

By Howard Packowitz

SPRINGFIELD – Anti-abortion advocates failed to block a state law taking effect New Years Day enabling women on Medicaid and Illinois government employees to receive taxpayer-financed abortions.

The contentious issue is not going away as the legal challenge will be appealed to a higher court, and taxpayer-funded abortions are likely to be a factor in next year’s race for governor.

A Sangamon County judge rejected arguments that House Bill 40 was passed too late to take effect so soon, and that state government doesn’t have the money.

Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed the bill, angering conservatives in his own party. Rauner’s support for the new law was one of the reasons he faces opposition in the March GOP primary from State Representative Jeanne Ives. She backed the court challenge.

Rauner said the law permits women to have abortions regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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