State lawmakers repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion act

Posted on October 28, 2021
HB 370 has passed the House, 62-51-3, and awaits the governor’s action. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is about to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion act – seen as the last abortion restriction standing. The legislature finished it off late Wednesday night.

The pro-life faction says parents and kids should have good relationships, and if they don’t, the kids can always go to court. Repeal sponsor Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) isn’t buying it, trying to convey the picture of a scared 16- or 17-year-old girl “finding her way to a judge” and telling a complete stranger all her secrets. Another repeal proponent, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) suggested Republicans grew up in “Lake Wobegon,” the placid setting of Garrison Keillor’s radio programs in which all children are above average. Cassidy then described her own imperfect upbringing, in which she left an abusive home at age sixteen.

State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville), who memorably argued against abortion expansion while almost full-term with her own baby a few years ago, said the repeal proponents who would strike a blow for women are actually doing a disservice to girls.

The governor has said he is in favor of repeal.

HB 370 has passed the House, 62-51-3, and awaits the governor’s action.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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