The Illinois House of Representatives approved a bill this week that would strip all protections from unborn children, allow for an abortion to take place up until the moment of birth.
Reproductive Health Act
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s “Reproductive Health Act” was passed with a vote of 64-50 on Monday, making it one of the most expansive abortion bills across the country — even more radical than New York’s Reproductive Health Act, which was signed into law back in January.
The vote comes as at least six states have adopted steep restrictions or bans on abortion in the past month including neighboring Missouri, who just last Friday outlawed abortions beyond eight weeks of pregnancy.
Illinois’ Reproductive Health Act would rescind prohibitions on some late-term abortions and 45-year-old restraints such as criminal penalties for doctors performing the procedure. It also allows for partial-birth abortions and removes protection for pro-life doctors and insurers who object to the practice.
According to a section of the bill which identifies fundamental reproductive health rights, ”A fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights under the laws of this state.”
Rep. Avery Bourne led a passionate and emotional Republican opposition to the bill.
