Bill meant to bolster abortion rights in Illinois passes in House

Posted on January 6, 2023

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A bill expanding protections for abortion seekers and providers who come to Illinois from out of state has passed the Illinois House.

When State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) asked the sponsor, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), about babies born alive but then dying because of botched abortions, Cassidy said that doesn’t happen. Later she called Wilhour the sort of bully whose antics lead to LGBTQ children committing suicide.

Another Republican, State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), wondered why Illinois should welcome an abortion provider who is in trouble in their home state. Cassidy said that provider probably ran afoul of Republicans who are in control in states which border Illinois.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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