Illinois Right to Life Committee

Action Needed Archive
(Previous Legislative Sessions)

 

Status of Illinois legislation that impacts life issues

Anti-Life bills introduced in Illinois' 95th General Assembly in 2008: 

HB 4623: Amends the Adoption Act  (failed with no floor vote)

HB 4623 will do the following:

1)       Allows all adoptees born prior to January 1, 1946, to have unrestricted access to their orignial birth certificates regardless of  any objection of birth parents.

2)       Allows adult adoptees born after January 1, 1946, to access copies of their original birth certificates starting April 1, 2009.  The exception is if the birth parent makes a specific request, on a special form, for anonymity through the state registry. 

3)       Even with a request for anonymity by a birth parent, the information in the original birth certificate would still be made available, only without the name and address of the objecting birth parent.  if the other birth parent does not know to make a request then that birth parent’s name can be obtained which could also lead to exposure of the second birth parent who requested anonymity.

4)       Allows not only the adoptee to obtain the original birth certificate, but also the adoptee’s surviving spouse and adult children if the adoptee is deceased.

 

HB 4623 creates serious problems in unsealing adoption identifying information

1)       Breaks the long-standing agreement with birth parents and the state of Illinois that the adoption records and original birth certificates would be sealed.

2)       Creates exposure of birth parents to being identified, against their wishes, even decades after the adoptions were finalized.

3)       Allows for only a six-month public service campaign prior to the law going into effect for adoptions after January 1, 1946, to inform the adult adopted and surrendered persons and their birth parents of the provisions of the new law.  Birth parents who moved out of state or who just don’t hear of the information campaign lose their rights to privacy.

These provisions could result in concerns about choosing adoption, leading to abortion.  

HB 5615: Reproductive Justice and Access Act  (failed to pass)

HB 5615 disallows any regulation of abortion; it provides public funds through Medicaid for abortion; it drives people morally opposed to abortion from the health care industry by refusing to allow for any right of conscience for moral reasons related to abortion or contraceptives; and it mandates "comprehensive" sex education for every child in Illinois public schools, K-12.  HB 5615 is far outside the mainstream.   Get more details on HB 5615's imposing provisions.  Status:   HB 5615 never received a committee vote by the deadline so it should be dead for the current legislative session.

HJRCA0002: RATIFIES EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT  (failed to pass)

The Federal Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has expired, but this resolution would add Illinois to those states who ratified the ERA in an attempt to resurrect it.  The ERA would legalize abortion and create other serious legal issues for families.

 

Anti-Life bills introduced in Illinois' 95th General Assembly in 2007: 

HB 317: Adolescent Health Care Safety Act

HB 317 would amend the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995, adding provisions that deceptively claim to provide parental notice while doing no such thing.  HB 317 lost a 55-62 vote on 4/26/07, and a motion to reconsider was never acted upon.   This vote was critical to maintain the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995 that Attorney General Lisa Madigan ruled should be enforced.  Check how your rep voted and call to thank or express concern based on their first vote.

Under HB 317, a minor seeking an abortion may waive the notice requirement by receiving counseling.  This undermines the whole object of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act.  There is no notification requirement (parent or otherwise) if HB 317 became law.  Even if notice was required under this legislation, it would not necessarily include parents or legal guardians.  As amended (to search for more votes), HB 317 allowed notification of any grandparent, aunt or uncle.  The original bill included notification  of aunts, uncles, siblings, step-siblings or clergy members. 

HB 1077: Pharmacy Practice -- Emergency Contraception

Status: HB 1077 was never brought to a vote so it appears to be stopped for this session. HB 1077  was approved 6-3 by the Human Services Committee on March 7th so it could be brought to a floor vote. 

Promoters of over-the-counter sales of Plan B, known as the “morning after pill,” made extravagant claims that improved access would cut unwanted pregnancies and abortions by 50%, despite the fact that Plan B itself can cause an early abortion. Shortly after the FDA approved over-the-counter sales of Plan B to women or men at least 18 years old, the true facts came out in a published study. Data from 10 nations revealed that Plan B "has not been shown to reduce unintended pregnancy rates or abortions.” The authors also rated Plan B's effectiveness as "substantially overstated."

Despite evidence that Plan B did not live up to the promises, HB 1077 would allow this now discredited morning-after pill to be available without a prescription to children younger than 18 years old.  This legislation would override FDA restrictions and force pharmacists to sell Plan B to children without a prescription.  Children deserve better! 

SB 4 & HB 139: Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning

Stop the funding for experimentation that kills human embryos -- tell your state representative to vote NO on HB 139.  Tell your state senator to vote against funding this unethical research.

Status: SB 4 passed the House by a vote of 70-44 and the Senate by a vote of 35-23.  It was sent to the governor where he signed it into law on 8/28/07.  Ironically, no funding was allocated in the budget so no money is immediately available to support unethical embryonic stem cell research.

SB 4 (STEM CELL RESEARCH ACT) would authorize funding for embryonic stem cell research that includes use of human cloning as a source of these embryos.  Sponsors have included language to try to make it appear that this bill bans human cloning.  IT DOES NOT.   SB 4 establishes the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute (to perform embryonic stem cell research and human cloning).

On March 1, 2007 an equivalent bill (HB 138) passed the House on a vote of 67-46, but later SB 4 was selected for final passage.  

HB 139 (STEM CELL RESEARCH FUNDING) would provide $25 million from the Tobacco Settlement Recovery Fund to the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute under the Department of Public Health for the purpose of awarding grants for stem cell research.

HB 115 (HPV Prevention) and SB 10 (Cervical Cancer Prevention)

Status: HB 115 and SB 10 were never brought to votes so it appears they are stopped for this session. HB 115 was approved 5-3 in the Human Services Committee on March 21st and SB 10 was approved 6-4 in Public Health committee on March 1st so both bills could be brought to a floor vote.

HB 115 and SB 10 require that, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the parent or legal guardian of a female child entering the sixth grade (HB 115 changed to fifth grade) must submit a statement signed by a physician to the effect that the parent or guardian received information on the connection between HPV and cervical cancer and verifying that the child received the HPV vaccine or that the parent or guardian, having received the information, elected not to have the child receive the HPV vaccine and that the child did not receive the HPV vaccine.  HB 115 and SB 10 interfere with parents' rights to make decisions about their children's health care by introducing compliance requirements for a vaccine that is unnecessary unless the child is sexually active.   More information on the HPV vaccine:  Top researcher: 'Untested' vaccine could harm -- HPV 'experiment' on girls     American College of Pediatricians Statement

The HPV vaccine provides a false sense of security because it does not protect against HPV strains that cause 30% of cervical cancer cases, and offers no protection against any other sexually transmitted disease.  The adverse effects of this vaccine must be considered.  According to the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), the federal Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System (VAERS) is now receiving reports of loss of consciousness, seizures, and neurological disorders such as loss of vision, slurred speech, numbness and tingling following administration of the vaccine in the few months since its approval last June.   “HANDS OFF OUR KIDS COALITION” LETTER  (addressed to Texas Gov. Perry, but most of its points apply equally to HB 115 in Illinois)

SB 15 (Post Partum Mood Disorders Prevention Act)

Status: SB 15 was approved by the Illinois Senate on a 55-0 vote May 10, 2007 and by the House 115-0 on May 29, 2007.   It was signed into law by the governor on 8/27/07.

SB 15 would establish government involvement in directing how doctors should monitor pregnant and post partum women for signs of mood disorders.  This bill would interfere in doctor/patient relationships and require doctors to "invite" mothers to take a questionnaire (an amendment removed specific reference to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire) to evaluate their mental state whenever they bring their children as patients up to the child's first birthday.  The bill also mandates that physicians and other licensed health care workers provide education to women and their families about postpartum mood disorders and mandates that hospital and other healthcare facilities provide departing new moms and dads and other family members with "complete information about postpartum mood disorders."

SB 715 - "School Health Centers" Act

Status: passed 74-40 by the House so unfortunately headed to the governor who signed it into law on 8/28/07.  SB 715, "School Health Centers" Act creates 20 new "school health centers." These school-based clinics can dispense contraceptives, condoms and refer for abortions.  Even the Administrative Code for "School-Based/Linked Health Centers" states that medical services WILL include "family planning" and "prescribing, dispensing, or referring for birth control".  SB 715 passed the Illinois Senate earlier on a 32-22 vote.  Good news!  No funding was allocated in the final budget so no action will be taken in the next year to create any "school health centers."

 

Pro-Life bills introduced in Illinois' 95th General Assembly in 2007: 

SB 19: Cord Blood Stem Cell Banks Act

Status:  SB 19 was passed on 5/28/07 by the House on a 112-0 vote after passing the Senate 3/22/07 on 57-0 vote.  SB 19 was signed into law by the governor on 8/24/07.  SB 19 would direct the Department of Public Health to establish a statewide network of cord blood stem cell banks. The bill sets forth requirements and duties of donor banks.  Such cord blood stem cell banks will facilitate both more stem cell research and treatments of human patients with stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood.  Many successful treatments have already been achieved using stem cells from cord blood. 

 

Anti-Life bills introduced in Illinois' 94th General Assembly in 2006: 

Illinois Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning

Status:  Though embryonic stem cell research funding was kept out of the state budget, Governor Blagojevich used an executive order to divert $5 million in Kid Care funds to embryonic stem cell research in July 2006.   Governor Blagojevich had called for $15 million to be included in the Illinois state budget for funding of the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute (to perform embryonic stem cell research and human cloning).  When the state budget was finally passed on May 4, 2006, the Chicago Tribune reported on this budget that "It does not, however, include money specifically dedicated to Blagojevich's plan to promote stem-cell research in Illinois."   

SB 2267:   Age-appropriate Sex Education Grant Program Act

Status:  SB 2267 was approved 7-2 by the Health and Human Services Committee on February 8, 2006, but was never brought to a vote in the Senate.  SB 2267 establishes a grant program to be managed by the Department of Human Services to fund "age-appropriate" sex education with a primary focus on sexual activity and use of contraception as a means to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.  Abstinence only programs would not qualify for funding under this bill.  [SB 2267 is equivalent to SB 457 that failed to pass in 2005.]  IRLC press releases and commentary relating to this bill include:

Sex Education Bait and Switch 

"Responsible sex education" is irresponsible

Planned Parenthood can't be serious

Tug-of-war over a sexual divide  (Rhonda Robinson)

HB 4413:  Emergency Contraception Without a Prescription

Status:  HB 4413 was returned from the Illinois House Health Care Availability and Access Committee back to the Rules Committee without receiving a vote.  This action suggests that HB 4413 lacked support for committee approval.
HB 4413 would allow pharmacists to initiate emergency contraception drug therapy in accordance with guidelines or protocols developed by the pharmacist and an authorized prescriber who is acting within the prescriber's scope of practice. Requires the pharmacist to provide the recipient of the emergency contraception drugs with a standardized fact sheet.  If passed, House Bill 4413 would effectively allow over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptives (also called morning-after pills), without a prescription under the loose provisions of a "protocol" created to give some perception that emergency contraception will not be dispensed casually. 

 

Pro-Life bills introduced in Illinois' 94th General Assembly in 2006: 

HB 4346, SB 2343   Pharmacists' Conscience Rights

Status:  HB 4346 was approved 7-1 by the State Government Administration Committee on February 15, 2006.  Calls to request a YES vote on HB 4346 should be placed to your state representative. In contrast, SB 2343 is still held up in the Senate Rules Committee.
These bills provide that a pharmacist may, based on his or her personal, religious beliefs, refuse to fill a prescription for and to dispense emergency contraception. Amends the Health Care Right of Conscience Act to add dispensation of prescribed medication to the list of activities included in the definition of "health care", add pharmacist to the list of occupations included in the definition of "health care personnel", and add pharmacy to the list of facilities included in the definition of "health care facility".  [HB 4786 also has similar provisions.]

HB 4156   Public Support Standards for Biomedical Research Act

Provides that the State, units of local government, school districts, and community college districts may not use or allow the use of public funds, property, or credit for certain human cloning activities.  Status:  HB 4156 was tabled by sponsor Rep. David Reis because of opposition from the House Human Services Committee chairman so it is dead for 2006.

 

Pro-Life bills introduced in Illinois' 94th General Assembly in 2005:

HB 984   Born Alive Infant Protection Act

Status:   HB 984 was signed into law by Governor Blagojevich on August 12, 2005. 
HB 984 was passed 52-0 (with 4 abstentions) on 5/18/05 in the Illinois Senate.  HB 984 passed 116-0 in the Illinois House on 4/12/05.  HB 984 was amended during a March 9, 2005 hearing in the Illinois House Judiciary I - Civil Law Committee.  The amended version was passed 14-0.  The amendment added two provisions:
(d) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to affect existing federal or State law regarding abortion.
(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to alter generally accepted medical standards.

Once it becomes law, this bill guarantees that all newborn babies will be granted the full rights and protections of the law from the moment of birth.  HB 984 uses the exact wording from the Federal legislation signed into law by President Bush in 2003, but with the addition of the two provisions mentioned above.  For more details, review the responses to frequently asked questions.

This bill is intended to address situations like the one at Oak Lawn’s Christ Hospital, where infants born alive as the result of late-term induced-labor abortions were denied any sort of medical care and were set aside in a soiled linen closet until they died.  Illinois’ own Jill Stanek, a former obstetrics nurse at Christ Hospital brought national attention to that cruel and heartless practice as she testified in support of the Federal Born Alive law. 

SB 188  Human Cloning Ban / Adult Stem Cell Research Act

Status:  SB 188 was blocked by not being assigned to a committee for a hearing.
The Human Cloning Ban / Adult Stem Cell Research Act would ban human cloning in Illinois and promote adult stem cell research.  Human cloning has never helped a single patient or resulted in any medical benefits.  Instead, it exploits people and turns procreation into a manufacturing process, treating human life as a commodity.  Adult stem cell research has already helped hundreds of thousands of patients and continues to show great promise for further medical advances. 

HB 1453   Women's Right to Know Act

Status:  HB 1453 lost by a 5-6 vote in the Health Care Availability and Access Committee on March 8, 2005.  This vote denies HB 1453 a vote by the full House.
If passed, this bill would amend the Medical Practice Act of 1987.   The bill provides that an abortion shall not be performed or induced unless the woman has given her voluntary and informed consent.  Guidelines are included for determining whether a woman's consent is voluntary and informed. The bill requires the Department of Public Health to publish printed materials and an informational video concerning certain prenatal services.

This legislation recognizes that the knowledgeable exercise of a woman's decision to have an elective abortion depends on the extent to which the woman receives sufficient information to make a voluntary and informed choice between 2 alternatives of great consequence: carrying a child to birth or undergoing an abortion.  All the provisions of this bill have been previously upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a 1992 Decision (Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey).

HB 3031   Require parental consent for mental health screening

Status:  HB 3031 passed 114-0 in the Illinois House on 5/19/05, but was allowed to die in the Illinois Senate Rules Committee. 
HB 3031 amends the Children's Mental Health Act of 2003.  The bill provides that any screening services provided under the Children's Mental Health Plan must be voluntary and conducted with parental consent and in accordance with the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.   Mental Health: teen screening and parental consent

Anti-life bills introduced in Illinois' 94th General Assembly in 2005:

HB 2249:   Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute Act

Status:  HB 2249 was approved in the House Executive Committee, but it was returned to the House Rules Committee because of insufficient support.  No vote was taken by the full Illinois House so this bill is dead for 2005. 
HB 2249 would establish funding for embryonic stem cell research that includes use of human cloning as a source of these embryos.  Sponsors have included language to try to make it appear that this bill bans human cloning.  IT DOES NOT.  HB 2249 is a derivative from HB 3815, but with provisions for a referendum to approve $1 billion in state funding removed.  The bill still calls for a 6% tax on cosmetic surgery to fund unethical embryonic stem cell research that includes cloning of embryos to be used for research.

HJRCA 3:  Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

HJRCA 3 purports to create equal rights for women, but can more accurately be viewed as effort by radical feminists to erase any differences between men and women, and to create a constitutional right to taxpayer-funded abortions and same-sex marriage.  HJRCA 3 is dead for 2005 because it was never given a committee hearing in the Illinois House. 

HB 3815 & SB 2100:   Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute Act

Status:  SB 2100 has been approved in the Health and Human Services committee, but the sponsors recognized it did not have the votes to pass so it was returned to the Rules Committee.  Neither SB 2100 or HB 3815 had enough support for passage.
HB 3815 and SB 2100 would create a funding mechanism to finance human cloning for research purposes (these bills include a ban on implanting "the product of nuclear transplantation [a human clone] into a woman's uterus" -- this wording would not ban human cloning, but attempts to prevent any attempts to grow a human clone beyond the embryonic stage)

HB 3815 and SB 2100 establish funding for embryonic stem cell research that includes use of human cloning as a source of human embryos.  Sponsors have included language to try to make it appear that this bill bans human cloning.  IT DOES NOT.  The language tries to redefine cloning as something that occurs only if the cloned embryo is implanted in the womb.  The research method allowed for produced Dolly the sheep, so redefining cloning as something that occurs after implantation will not prevent cloning of human beings.  Calls to Illinois State Representatives and Senators are needed to oppose HB 3815 and SB 2100.  Legislators should promote adult stem cell research. 

HB 2492:  Ultrasound Administration Act

Status:  HB 2492 was passed 8-3 on 5/4/05 in the Illinois Senate Health & Human Services Committee, but it was never called for a vote by the full Senate so it is dead for 2005.   Earlier HB 2492 passed 76-32 in the Illinois House. 
HB 2492 will require a person that issues an order or a referral for the administration of an ultrasound upon a pregnant woman to be licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed as an advanced practice nurse, or licensed as a physician assistant.  The most prominent reason to oppose this bill is because it amounts to over-regulation and a waste of taxpayer money to enforce it. 

Supporters of this bill, led by Planned Parenthood, say HB 2492 is needed to protect the fetus from excessive ultrasound.  If they are so concerned about laws to protect health, why do they oppose regulations on abortion clinics, currently less regulated than veterinary clinics?  If they want to rely on FDA statements, why is a recommendation to avoid unnecessary ultrasound more important than the FDA concerns about over-ther counter sales of emergency contraception?  Refer below to HB 2535 that would require sales of emergency contraception over-the-counter.   Planned Parenthood is pushing for that bill before the FDA rules on allowing over-the-counter sales, while seeking to enforce an FDA recommendation on ultrasound use.   Such hypocrisy points to an agenda.  Might we guess that they do not like people to see pictures that reveal the humanity of children in the womb?  Is that a good reason for passing a law?

HB 2535:  Emergency Contraception Without a Prescription

Status:  HB 2535 lost on a 5-5-1 vote in the Illinois House Health Care Availability and Access Committee at a hearing on March 8, 2005.  This result prevents HB 2535 from getting a vote by the full House so it is dead for 2005.

HB 2535 would allow pharmacists to initiate emergency contraception drug therapy in accordance with guidelines or protocols developed by the pharmacist and an authorized prescriber who is acting within the prescriber's scope of practice. Requires the pharmacist to provide the recipient of the emergency contraception drugs with a standardized fact sheet. 

If passed, House Bill 2535 would effectively allow over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptives (also called morning-after pills), without a prescription under the loose provisions of a "protocol" created to give some perception that emergency contraception will not be dispensed casually.  HB 2535 is sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“That such ready availability of the ‘morning after’ pill would encourage and facilitate irresponsible sexual behavior is only a part of what’s wrong with this proposal,” said IFI Executive Director Peter LaBarbera. “These pills won’t protect girls in any way from the spread of disease, but will give them a false sense of security, when all the while they are putting themselves and their futures at serious risk.”  Also of concern is the use of this pill to allow sexual predators to prey on young girls, but protect themselves from fathering any unwanted children.

 

 

Anti-life bills introduced in Illinois' 93rd General Assembly in 2004:

Update:  HB 3589 is finally dead because the 93rd General Assembly is now history as of January 11, 2005. 
Status:  The Illinois Legislature voted down an amendment to HB 3589 on  November 18, 2004.  The amendment lost with 28 yes votes and 29 no votes.  Thirty votes would be needed for passage of the final bill.  No final attempt was made to pass HB 3589 on January 10/11, 2005 so it is finally dead.

HB 3589 permits human cloning for research -- sponsored by Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg, who continued trying new amendments to HR 3589 after his earlier amendment failed.  (on May 12th, an amendment to HB 3589 failed on the Senate floor -- it added a ban on implanting "the product of nuclear transplantation [a human clone] into a woman's uterus" -- this change would not ban human cloning, but attempts to prevent any attempts to grow a human clone beyond the embryonic stage)

HB 3589 promotes embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.  Sponsors have added an amendment to try to make it appear that this bill bans human cloning.  IT DOES NOT.  The amendment tries to redefine cloning as something that occurs only if the cloned embryo is implanted in the womb.  The research method allowed for in the amendment produced Dolly the sheep, so redefining cloning in HB 3589 as something that occurs after implantation will not prevent cloning of human beings.  Calls to Illinois State Senators are needed to inform them that the amendment to HB 3589 DOES NOT make this bill acceptable; vote NO on HB 3589, with or without the amendment!  Legislators should promote adult stem cell research.  (from the Respect Life Office, Archdiocese of Chicago)

 

NOTE:  HB 6577 expired with the end of the 93rd General Assembly on January 11, 2005. 

HB 6577   Emergency Contraception Without a Prescription

Status:  On April 30, 2004, HB 6577 was sent back to the Rules Committee without a vote on the House floor, thus confirming that sponsors recognized they did not have the votes to pass this bill.  Though the bill is technically "dead", the Rules Committee could return it to the House floor if the bill's sponsors convinced Rules that they had found enough votes to pass the bill.

The Illinois House Health Care Availability and Access Committee passed HB 6577 by a 13-5 vote on February 24, 2004.  It was never brought to a vote on the House floor because sponsors recognized they did not have the votes to pass the bill. 

If passed, House Bill 6577 would allow over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptives (also called morning-after pills), without a prescription or doctor’s supervision.  Sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), this bill would require that the medicine come only with an “information” sheet to guide in its use.

“That such ready availability of the ‘morning after’ pill would encourage and facilitate irresponsible sexual behavior is only a part of what’s wrong with this proposal,” said IFI Executive Director Peter LaBarbera. “These pills won’t protect girls in any way from the spread of disease, but will give them a false sense of security, when all the while they are putting themselves and their futures at serious risk.”  Also of concern is the use of this pill to allow sexual predators to prey on young girls, but protect themselves from fathering any unwanted children.

 

SB 3186 (adds sexual orientation to Illinois human rights law) -- It was signed into law on 01/21/05 after passage by the Senate on 01/10/05 and the House on 01/11/05.  This bill is a serious threat to religious freedom for individuals.  It has all the negative implications documented for SB 101.

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  Pro-Life bills introduced in the Illinois Legislature for 2004:

None of these bills were allowed to advance to a floor vote.   Except for HB 4643, they were held in the Rules Committee (in the House, if HB, and in the Senate, if SB).  HB 4643 was assigned to a hostile committee where it was voted down and returned to Rules.  No action can be taken on bills held in the Rules Committee.  House and Senate Rules Committees assign bills to active committees for hearings and debate on the merits of the bills.  If passed by committee, the bills can be debated and voted on by the full House or Senate, if called by the bill's sponsor.

HB 4770   Born Alive Infant Protection Act

If passed, this bill would guarantee that all newborn babies will be granted the full rights and protections of the law from the moment of birth.  HB 4770 uses the exact wording from the Federal legislation signed into law by President Bush in 2003.  Two other bills with nearly identical language have also been introduced: SB 2855 in the Senate and HB 4008 in the House.

This bill is intended to address situations like the one at Oak Lawn’s Christ Hospital, where infants born alive as the result of late-term induced-labor abortions were denied any sort of medical care and were set aside in a soiled linen closet until they died.  Illinois’ own Jill Stanek, a former obstetrics nurse at Christ Hospital brought national attention to that cruel and heartless practice as she testified in support of the Federal Born Alive law.

HB 4643   Women's Right to Know Act

Status:  The Illinois House Human Services Committee voted 8-1 against HB 4643 on Wednesday, March 3, 2004.  Calls to members of the Human Services Committee are needed, expressing concern that they rejected HB 4643 (and thanking Rep. Patricia Bellock for her support of HB 4643).

If passed, this bill would amend the Medical Practice Act of 1987.   The bill provides that an abortion shall not be performed or induced unless the woman has given her voluntary and informed consent.  Guidelines are included for determining whether a woman's consent is voluntary and informed. The bill requires the Department of Public Health to publish printed materials and an informational video concerning certain prenatal services.

This legislation recognizes that the knowledgeable exercise of a woman's decision to have an elective abortion depends on the extent to which the woman receives sufficient information to make a voluntary and informed choice between 2 alternatives of great consequence: carrying a child to birth or undergoing an abortion.  All the provisions of this bill have been previously upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a 1992 Decision (Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey).

SB 2856   Viability Testiing

If passed, this bill would require viability testing for all pregnancies of 20 or more weeks gestational age prior to an abortion and would mandate that the abortion procedure take place in a hospital, rather than a free-standing abortion clinic, where the infant can receive appropriate medical care.

HB 6693 & SB 2934  Human Cloning Ban / Adult Stem Cell Research Act

The Human Cloning Ban / Adult Stem Cell Research Act would ban human cloning in Illinois and promote adult stem cell research.  Human cloning has never helped a single patient or resulted in any medical benefits.  Instead, it exploits people and turns procreation into a manufacturing process, treating human life as a commodity.  Adult stem cell research has already helped hundreds of thousands of patients and continues to show great promise for further medical advances. 

The deadline to get these bills passed through committee is rapidly approaching so it's critical to call now.  Ask your state representative and senator to join the sponsors in pushing for action on these bills.  The sponsors of these bills are:

SB 2934 (in the Illinois State Senate) - Sponsored by Senator William Haine
HB 6693 (in the Illinois State House) - Sponsored by Representative Patti Bellock

 

New Choose Life License Plate bills
(Get current information on HB 5883 and SB 3089)

 

 

Senate President Emil Jones kept these bills alive in the Senate Rules Committee but he was unable to get them passed in 2004 so they are dead now that the 93rd General Assembly has ended:

 HB 2486  Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
(restricts the right to pray and counsel in front of abortion clinics)

 HB 3589   permits human cloning for research

HJRCA 1 (Federal Equal Rights Amendment) 
(would force taxpayer funding of abortion and strike down any restrictions on abortion)

 

Below is background information on the status of above bills prior to the end of the 93rd General Assembly of the Illinois Legislature.   These bills failed to pass in either 2003 or 2004.

HB 2486  Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
(restricts the right to pray and counsel in front of abortion clinics)
Status: passed by the Illinois House 62-49 on 3/31/03 -- now in the Illinois Senate
(passed 8-3 by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on 5/1/03)

  HB 3589   permits human cloning for research
Status: passed on 3/26/03 by the Illinois House 60-56 -- now in the Illinois Senate
(passed 7-3 by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on 5/1/03)

HJRCA 1 Equal Rights Amendment (House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 001)
Status: approved by the House 76-41 on May 21, 2003 -- never brought to a Senate vote
(after Senate Executive Committee approval by 8-5 on May 29, 2003)

Organizations expressing the need to oppose the above bills include:
Concerned Women for America
Illinois Citizens for Life
Illinois Family Institute
Illinois Federation for Right to Life
Catholic Conference of Illinois
Respect Life Office, Archdiocese of Chicago
Family-PAC

Scroll down for more details and commentary on these bills.
(provided below the information on bills in the U.S. Congress)

 

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Get complete legislator contact information, including email address:
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Status of Federal Legislation that Impacts Life Issues

 

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United States House of Representatives

Senators Barack Obama and Richard Durbin (U.S. Senators for Illinois) can be reached via the Capitol switchboard at 1-202-224-3121 or by email using the United States Senate web site.

Legislative Action Center   (For additional information on legislation)

The Federal bills identified below expired at the end of the 2008 legislative
session of the 110th U.S. Congress without becoming law.

Expired bills from the 110th Congress (2007-2008):

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Funding (H.R. 3 and S. 5)

Status:  S. 5 was passed by a 63-34 vote on April 11, 2007.  Since 67 votes are needed to override the veto of President Bush, this bill will not become law.  S. 5 is the U.S. Senate bill that would require Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. 

Status:  H.R. 3 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 253-174 on January 11, 2007.  The "yes" votes are currently at least 30 short of the total needed to override President Bush's veto.  This bill would require Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, similar to H.R. 810 that was vetoed by President Bush in 2006.  We do not need to kill human embryos to achieve success with stem cells, as recently shown by the research using amniotic fluid stem cells.  

Lobbying Reform (H.R. 984 + the Meehan Amendment, and S. 1)

The Meehan Amendment is another attempt to regulate grassroots lobbying.   It ought to be called the 'We Regard Our Constituents As Lobbyists Act of 2007."  Sufficient concern was expressed to U.S. Representatives that the Meehan Amendment was pulled from consideration.  The House ethics bill passed on May 24th did not include any provisions to regulate grassroots lobbying.

The grassroots lobbying section of U.S. House Bill 984 (H.R. 984) contains onerous reporting requirements (on a quarterly basis), and civil fines of up to $100,000 for failing to comply.  The effect on grassroots groups to get you information on any bill before Congress will be profound.  Under H.R. 984, these groups would be required to report the issues, employees, and dollars spent in what is called "paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying" (that phrase is not defined).  This reporting requirement is triggered by two actions:  (1) a lobbying "contact" – a personal or written communication with an individual in the executive or legislative branch of the federal government concerning public policy issues, from legislation to nominations; and (2) communications with grassroots (that’s you) that "influence" them to contact the executive or legislative branches ("influence" is not defined, but it apparently doesn't even have to include a specific "call to action").  There is no minimum dollar spending requirement that triggers these onerous reporting requirements.   

S. 1 Status: In a 55-43 vote on 1/18/07 the Senate approved Bennett Amendment #20 to protect free speech before passage of S. 1 by 96-2.  However, both Durbin and Obama voted against Amendment 20.  Senate Bill 1 (S. 1) is intended to reform lobbying activity, but the now removed Section 220 would have encumbered with regulations anyone who informs voters to encourage grassroots lobbying.  This would amount to a severe restriction on freedom of speech.  These organizations who simply distribute information about proposed laws to generate grassroots lobbying would no longer be able to send out that information.  For example, making the following request would no longer be possible.  Ask Senators Durbin and Obama why they voted NO on Bennett Amendment #20 to Senate Bill 1 (S. 1). 

Pro-Life Bill in the 110th U.S. Congress:

With the Democrats heading Congressional committees, none of these bills were brought to a vote during 2007 or 2008, except the first one listed below.

Federal Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act (H.R. 4133)

Congressman Mike Pence has sponsored the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act (H.R. 4133).  This bill would deny federal family planning funds to non-hospitals that perform abortions, with narrow exceptions. "Taxpayer funds should not be given to organizations that are the backbone of the abortion industry, such as Planned Parenthood," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director of National Right to Life.   According to its 2005-2006 annual report, Planned Parenthood performed 264,943 abortions in 2005, over 20% of all abortions in the U.S.  It received $305.3 million in government grants and contracts.  The bill lost, but received 189 yes votes.

Given the 107 felony charges filed against Planned Parenthood in Kansas, Federal funds should be denied at least until those charges are resolved.  Conviction on felony charges would make Planned Parenthood ineligible to receive any Federal funds under current law.

The equivalent bill in the U.S. Senate is Title X Family Planning Act (S. 351), sponsored by Senator David Vitter.  As an amendment, this provision was rejected on a 52-41 vote in Oct, 2007.

Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 7016)

The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act is a new bill introduced by Rep. Trent Franks, R-Arizona.  H.R. 7016 calls for an end to sex- and race-selection abortions. While the United States is quick to condemn abortions for such reasons, it is not illegal here.  Meanwhile, evidence shows that the practice is spreading in western nations.  Urge your U.S. representative to co-sponsor the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 7016).

Patients First Act (H.R. 2807)

The Patients First Act (H.R. 2807), sponsored by Reps. Randy Forbes, R-Va., and Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill., promotes stem-cell research that neither creates, injures nor destroys human embryos. Recent developments in stem-cell techniques continue to demonstrate that destructive embryonic stem-cell research is not only unethical, but unwarranted. In November, researchers were able to turn ordinary human body cells into embryonic-like stem cells that are capable of developing into virtually any type of cell or tissue — without the destruction of young human life. Urge your U.S. representative to co-sponsor the Patients First Act (H.R. 2807).

Abstinence Education Funding (H.R. 2432)

Status:  H.R. 2432 is needed to preserve funding for abstinence education under Title V.  Call your U.S. Representative to ask for their co-sponsorship of H.R. 2432.  Abstinence education has been shown to be effective in reducing teenage pregnancy and abortion, but a recent questionable study is being used as justification for defunding abstinence education.  More details

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 1063)


The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 1063) in the U.S. House of Representatives (called CIANA) requires any abortionist to notify a parent before performing an abortion on a minor who is a resident of another state, unless the minor has already received authorization from a court in her home state, or unless the abortionist is already required to provide such parental notification by a current law in the state in which he practices.  If the minor asserts that she is the victim of abuse, the abortionist would notify the appropriate state child abuse agency instead of a parent.

Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (S. 356)

The purpose of this bill is to inform the public -- especially mothers seeking abortion -- of the pain experienced by unborn children during abortion. University of Arkansas pediatrician, Dr. Kanwaljeet Anand testified as an expert witness in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban lawsuit that children are conscious once they have reached 20 weeks gestation and that they experience excruciating pain in the course of abortion. It is on the basis of his testimony that the new bill has been fashioned, requiring abortionists to inform their customers -- if at least 20 weeks pregnant -- about the pain their babies will experience and to offer anesthesia for such babies. The bill pertains to any abortion technique.

Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act (H.R. 322)

The Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act (H.R. 322) would instruct the Federal government to seek alternative sources of embryonic stem cells that do not require the killing of embryos.  Concerns expressed about this bill appear based on mis-information.  

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Students Act (H.R. 1088)

 

The purpose of this act is to establish a pilot program to provide grants to encourage eligible institutions of higher education to establish and operate pregnant and parenting student services offices for pregnant students, parenting students, prospective parenting students who are anticipating a birth or adoption, and students who are placing or have placed a child for adoption.

 

Informed Choice (H.R. 223)

 

This bill would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations for the purchase of ultrasound equipment to provide free examinations to pregnant women needing such services, and for other purposes.

 

 

The Federal bills identified below expired at the end of the 2006 legislative
session of the 109th U.S. Congress without becoming law,
except those identified as signed into law. 

 

With the Democrats now heading Congressional committees, Pro-Life bills like these are not likely to even be brought to a vote during 2007 or 2008 in the 110th U.S. Congress.

Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (H.R. 6099)
Status:  H.R. 6099 received a majority vote on December 6, 2006, but not enough votes to pass under accelerated rules.  The Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (H.R. 6099) had 93 co-sponsors.    More details...

The purpose of this bill is to inform the public -- especially mothers seeking abortion -- of the pain experienced by unborn children during abortion. University of Arkansas pediatrician, Dr. Kanwaljeet Anand testified as an expert witness in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban lawsuit that children are conscious once they have reached 20 weeks gestation and that they experience excruciating pain in the course of abortion. It is on the basis of his testimony that the new bill has been fashioned, requiring abortionists to inform their customers -- if at least 20 weeks pregnant -- about the pain their babies will experience and to offer anesthesia for such babies. The bill pertains to any abortion technique.

 

Child Custody Protection Act (S. 403) -- see also H.R. 748

Status:  After approving the Child Custody Protection Act by 65-34 on July 25, 2006, the Senate Democrats blocked the bill on September 30, 2006 on a failed closure vote of 57-42 (60 votes were needed).  [Call Senator Durbin at 312-353-4952 and Senator Obama at  312-886-3506 to express concern about their votes to block this bill.]
The Child Custody Protection Act (S. 403) would make it a federal offense to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion without fulfilling the requirements of a parental notification law in effect in the home state.  With Senate passage of the bill, a conference committee is needed to work out minor differences with the House passed version.  Senator Dick Durbin has objected to appointment of Senate members, apparently as a stall tactic to delay S. 403 from becoming law. 

Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2005 (H.R. 1357 & S. 658)

Status:  H.R. 1357 did not receive a floor vote in 2006.  H.R. 1357 and S. 658 were introduced on 3/17/05 and have been referred to committees in both the House and Senate.  
The Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2005 was introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.  H.R. 1357 is sponsored by Congressmen Dave Weldon (R-FL.) with 109 co-sponsors.  S. 658 is sponsored by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) with 28 co-sponsors.  This bill, which is backed by President Bush, would ban the creation of human embryos by cloning, regardless of whether they are intended for reproduction or for research. 

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810)
On July 19, 2006 the House of Representatives sustained President Bush's veto of H.R. 810.  Get details under Anti-Life Bill.

Fetus Farming Prohibition Act (S. 3504)

Status:  S. 3504 was passed on July 18, 2006 by both the Senate and the House and was then signed into law by President Bush. 
The Fetus Farming Prohibition Act (S. 3504) would, according to Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), “stop the gruesome practice of initiating human pregnancies in either women or animal uteruses for the purpose of obtaining human tissues for research.”

Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act (S. 2754)

Status:  The Senate passed S. 2754 on July 18, 2006, but the House failed to concur so the bill is dead. 
The Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act (S. 2754) would instruct the Federal government to seek alternative sources of embryonic stem cells that do not require the killing of embryos.  Concerns expressed about this bill appear based on mis-information.  

RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2005
(H.R. 1079 and S. 511)

The RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2005 (also known as Holly's Law -- named after Holly Patterson who was killed September 17, 2003 by RU-486 in California) would revoke the FDA approval of RU-486 for performing chemical abortions to allow time for investigations of the approval process and the dangers inherent to the drug.  At least eight women have died after using RU-486 to induce an abortion.  See Pro-Life Groups Renew Call to Pass Holly's Law for more details.

The House version (H.R. 1079) was introduced by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD).  "The bill would end the marketing and availability of the abortion drug, RU-486, and require a review of the original approval process," explained Lisa Wright, Bartlett's press secretary.  The Senate version (S. 511) was introduced by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC).

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act of 2005 (H.R. 4265 & S. 1966)

 

Status:  The provisions of H.R. 4265 (introduced by Melissa Hart) have been included by amendment into H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives.  
The purpose of this act is to establish a pilot program to provide grants to encourage eligible institutions of higher education to establish and operate pregnant and parenting student services offices for pregnant students, parenting students, prospective parenting students who are anticipating a birth or adoption, and students who are placing or have placed a child for adoption.The equivalent Senate bill, S. 1966, was introduced by Senator Elizabeth Dole.  For more details, refer to the following article:

House Backs Amendment Helping College Students Find Abortion Alternatives

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 748) -- see also S. 403

Status:  H.R. 748 was passed by the House of Representatives on a 270-157 vote taken on 4/27/05 (after passing 20-13 in the House Judiciary Committee on 4/13/05).
The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 748) in the U.S. House of Representatives expands the provisions of the Senate bill called the Child Custody Protection Act (S. 403).  This House bill was introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) on 2/10/05 with 105 original co-sponsors. 

H.R. 748 (called CIANA) requires any abortionist to notify a parent before performing an abortion on a minor who is a resident of another state, unless the minor has already received authorization from a court in her home state, or unless the abortionist is already required to provide such parental notification by a current law in the state in which he practices.  If the minor asserts that she is the victim of abuse, the abortionist would notify the appropriate state child abuse agency instead of a parent.

Parent's Right to Know Act of 2005 (H.R. 3011 and S. 1279)

H.R. 3011 and S. 1279 are titled "Parent's Right to Know Act of 2005."  Either of these bills would reverse the perverse policy of the Federal Title X (Ten) promiscuity promotion program which bars program grantees from informing parents of a minor that the agency is prescribing contraceptive drugs or devices to their child.  H.R. 3011, introduced by Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), requires Title X grantees to notify at least one parent five business days before prescribing contraceptives to a minor, and to receive consent from that parent before proceeding.  H.R. 3011 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy & Commerce.  S. 1279 was introduced by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) and referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Phone calls to Representatives and Senators in Washington are in order to request passage of the Parent's Right to Know Act of 2005 and may be placed via the Capitol switchboard at 1-202-224-3121, or to the lawmaker's home office.

Right to Life Act (H.R. 552)

 

Status:  H.R. 552 was introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) in the House of Representatives on 2/02/05 and referred to the subcommittee on the Constitution. H.R. 552 is intended to implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person. Since the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion left the legal question of when life begins undetermined, this provision would require recognition of the right to life of human beings from "the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being."  Abortion would then be a violation of the rights of this new human person.

 

Parental Consent Act of 2005 (H.R. 181)

Status:  H.R. 181 was introduced by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) in the House of Representatives on 1/04/05 and referred to the subcommittee on education reform.
The Parental Consent Act of 2005 would prohibit the use of Federal funds to establish or implement any universal or mandatory mental health screening program.  Such programs would violate the right of parents to direct and control the upbringing of their children.   Federal funds should never be used to support programs that could lead to the increased over-medication of children, the stigmatization of children and adults as mentally disturbed based on their political or other beliefs, or the violation of the liberty and privacy of Americans by subjecting them to invasive mental health screening.

Informed Choice (H.R. 216)

 

This bill would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations for the purchase of ultrasound equipment to provide free examinations to pregnant women needing such services, and for other purposes.

The nomination of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court

Status:  The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Samuel Alito by 58-42 on January 31, 2006 after a January 30 vote of 72-25 to end debate, preventing a filibuster. 
On October 31, 2005 President George Bush nominated Judge Samuel Alito for the U.S. Supreme Court.  Alito has been a Federal Appeals Court judge for 15 years. 

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (H.R. 2520) 

Status:  H.R. 2520 was signed into law by President Bush on 12/20/05.  On 12/16/05 H.R. 2520 was amended and passed by the U.S. Senate based on unanimous consent.  This amended version was passed 413-0 on 12/17/05 by the U.S. House of Representatives.  [H.R. 2520 was originally approved 431-1 by the House on 5/24/05.] 

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (H.R. 2520) facilitates research and treatment using umbilical cord blood by contracting with qualified cord blood stem cell banks to assist in the collection and maintenance of 150,000 units of high-quality human cord blood to be made available for transplantation.

This legislation would create a connected national network of public umbilical cord banks.  The legislation would authorize $15 million in federal funds during Fiscal Year 2006 and $30 million in FY 2007 to enhance the collection, processing, testing, freezing and storing of cord blood units that would then be made available for transplantation treatments.  “This bill will help turn medical waste into medical miracles for thousands of patients who otherwise have no hope to recover from lethal diseases,” stated Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ).   “In addition to existing treatments for cancers, genetic diseases and other conditions, recent scientific developments suggest that human stem cell research based on cord blood stem cells may lead to treatments of many other debilitating conditions from Parkinson's to diabetes to heart disease.” 

“This is going to be a critical investment in health.  We need to increase the available inventory of cord blood stem cell units to assure opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, to find a suitable match for transplantation.  A national inventory of at least 150,000 cord blood stem cell units would allow 80-90% of all American patients in need to find a good to excellent match for transplantation.  We should not wait on providing such a valuable resource to those who need this treatment,” concluded Smith.

 

Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act, also called Terri's Law (S. 686 replaced H.R. 1332 which replaced H.R. 1151 & S. 539)

Status:  S. 686 was signed into law by President Bush after passage by both the  Senate and the House of Representatives on 3/20/05.
The Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act (S. 686) provides for Federal Court review solely of the case of Terri Schiavo.  H.R. 1332 had covered the general case where no written patient intent exists and a state court has ordered denial of food and water.  The original version (H.R.1151 and S. 539) relied on the "writ of habeas corpus".  In final form, the bill, also called Terri’s Law, is intended to ensure that Terri's parents can access the due process guaranteed them by the Constitution for determination of whether Terri's rights have been violated. 

The Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act allows a federal court hearing on certain state court orders that have denied Terri food, fluid, or medical treatment necessary to sustain life. 

 

Tell President Bush that the recent FDA approval of Plan B sales without a prescription is not acceptable

You can leave a message for President Bush on the White House comment line by calling 202-456-1111, and using some of the above information.  You can send a written message by email at comments@whitehouse.gov or by fax at 202-456-2461.  [Keep reading below for more details.]

Tell the FDA that Plan B sales without a prescription threatens women's health

On August 24, 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a plan to allow Barr Laboratories to sell the Plan B morning-after pill without a prescription to 18-year-olds and above.  You can contact the FDA Commissioner's office at (301) 827-2410 or by e-mail at commissioner@FDA.gov to let the FDA know that this decision is a violation of the FDA's function to protect consumers from dangerous drugs.  A message can also be sent to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/cder/comment.htm.  If you want details to include in your message, consider copying any or all of the following points into your message:

Approving Plan B without a prescription was a serious mistake that will have negative effects on women's health in our nation.  You would be well advised to reverse your recent decision to allow such sales because the dual approach you approved is unworkable. 

First, this dual approach that requires prescriptions for teenagers under 18 is not workable in practice.  Only maintaining the requirement for a prescription will protect young women from abuse of the morning after pill (MAP) Plan B, since older teenagers and even sexual predators can buy it for younger teenagers.

Second, Plan B is not safe for women for the following reasons:

1.  The health effects of repeated use of Plan B is still unknown.

2.  Studies indicate that greater accessibility to Plan B has no impact on reducing unexpected pregnancies or abortions, which advocates provide as the primary reason for over-the-counter status.  In Sweden, OTC MAP was legalized in 1998.  Between 1998 and 2003, the teen abortion rate went up by 31%.

3.  There are no studies that have been conducted to determine what harm that Plan B could cause to minors or younger adults.  Regulations to prevent under 18 year old women from obtaininig Plan B will be difficult or impossible to enforce since those 18 and over can easily buy it for them.

4.  Drugs that have an abortifacient effect should not be dispensed in this casual, unrestricted manner.

5.  There is a long list of recommended restrictions and potential side effects that are harmful, but how will anyone find out about them if they buy Plan B over-the-counter?

6.  Increased incidence of STDs has also been found to occur in jurisdictions that have allowed over-the-counter distribution of MAP because MAP does nothing to prevent STDs.

If you are really concerned about women's health, you will reverse your decision to allow sales of Plan B without a prescription.


Anti-Life Bill in the U.S. Congress:

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810)

Status:  In a vote on July 19, 2006 the House of Representatives failed to override President Bush's veto of H.R. 810.  The Senate had passed H.R. 810 by a vote of 63-37 on July 18, 2006.  On 5/24/05, H.R. 810 was passed 238-194 by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810) would authorize using taxpayer funds for unproven embryonic stem cell research.  H.R. 810 would overturn limits President Bush has placed on funding this research.  Specifically, H.R. 810 would authorize funds to obtain stem cells from "excess" embryos from in vitro fertilization if they were donated by fertility clinics with the permission of the parents.  Bush's policies have placed more focus on research using stem cells from adults, from umbilical cord blood, and from other ethical sources that do not require killing human embryos to obtain the stem cells. 

Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act (H.R. 5052)

Contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to oppose the "Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act" (H.R. 5052). This bill would penalize Crisis Pregnancy Centers from using the term "abortion" in their services description, thus making it harder to help and save pregnant women and girls confused about abortion and the effects of it.  Crisis centers are not being deceptive.  They are giving women real choices, and many even have ultrasounds so they can show the mother her own child, a living human being in her womb.  H.R. 5052 is a crass attempt to protect the profits of the abortion industry.

 

 

The Federal bills identified below expired at the end of the 2004 legislative
session of the 108th U.S. Congress without becoming law. 

 

Child Custody Protection Act (H.R. 1755 & S. 851)

The Child Custody Protection Act would make it a federal offense to transport a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion, in order to circumvent a home-state law requiring notification of one or both parents prior to an abortion.  The bill has been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but no votes have been taken on either bill. 

Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act (H.R. 4543)

The Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act, HR 4543, is sponsored by Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), and is co-sponsored by 28 other Representatives.  It will allocate $15 million to the National Institutes of Health in the next five years, and provides for $1.5 million in grants for private organizations that diagnose and treat post-abortion depression.  The bill is currently in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Post-abortion depression is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) because of internal organizational politics, but the bill would allow for research in the area -- an idea welcomed by non-profit organizations that currently help women suffering from the aftermath of abortion.

RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2003 (H.R. 3453)

The RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2003 (also known as Holly's Law -- named after Holly Patterson who was killed September 17, 2003 by RU-486 in California) would revoke the FDA approval of RU-486 for performing chemical abortions to allow time for investigations of the approval process and the dangers inherent to the drug. 

Human Cloning Prohibition Act (H.R. 534 & S. 245)

On February 27, 2003, the House of Representatives passed, 241-155, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act (H.R. 534), sponsored by Congressmen Dave Weldon (R-Fl.) and Bart Stupak (D-Mi.).  This bill, which is backed by President Bush, would ban the creation of human embryos by cloning.  The House decisively rejected (231-174) a competing proposal (“substitute amendment”) proposed by Congressmen Jim Greenwood (R-Pa.) and Peter Deutsch (D-Fl.) that would have allowed and encouraged the creation of human embryos by cloning, while attempting to ban the use of any such cloned embryo to “initiate a pregnancy.” 

In the Senate, the policy supported by President Bush is embodied in the Brownback-Landrieu bill (S. 245).   The language of the Brownback-Landrieu bill is nearly the same as the Weldon-Stupak bill, in that both ban the creation of and trafficking in cloned human embryos.  But the House bill also bans importation of “any product derived from” cloned human embryos, while the Senate bill does not.  In the Senate, competing legislation to allow and encourage the cloning of human embryos for research has been introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca.), and others as S. 303.  The thrust of the Hatch-Feinstein bill is the same as that of the Greenwood-Deutsch Substitute that the House rejected on February 27. 

Parents Right to Know Act (H.R. 2444)

H.R. 2444 is titled "Parents Right to Know Act."  It would reverse the perverse policy of the Federal Title X (Ten) promiscuity promotion program which bars program grantees from informing parents of a minor that the agency is prescribing contraceptive drugs or devices to their child.  H.R. 2444, introduced by Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) requires Title X grantees to notify at least one parent five business days before prescribing contraceptives to a minor, and to receive consent from that parent before proceeding.  It has been referred to the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, where favorable action is expected.


Find your US Representative  (select "By Address" and enter your 9-digit zip code)

United States House of Representatives

Senators Barack Obama and Richard Durbin can also be reached via the Capitol switchboard at 1-202-224-3121 or by email using the United States Senate web site.

Legislative Action Center   (For additional information on legislation)

 

Unborn Victims of Violence Act (H.R. 1997) -- Now LAW!
(On April 1, 2004 President Bush signed H.R. 1997 into law, following the March 25, 2004 U.S. Senate passage of H.R. 1997 on a 61-38 vote.   Since H.R. 1997 was not amended by the Senate, it was able to go to President Bush for his signature, given the February 26, 2004 U.S. House passage of H.R. 1997 on a 254-163 vote.)

The Unborn Victims of Violence Act makes it a Federal crime when any attack on a pregnant woman harms or injures the preborn child.  In light of the Laci and Conner Peterson tragedy, enacting this legislation would recognize what over 84% of Americans recognize, that there were two victims in this crime.  In memory of Laci and Conner the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 is also called "Laci and Conner's Law."  The Unborn Victims of Violence Act was introduced in the U.S. House by Congresswoman Melissa Hart (R-PA) and in the U.S. Senate by Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH). 

Abortion Non-Discrimination Act  -- Now LAW!
This bill was added to an appropriations bill as an amendment and became law near the end of the 2004 legislative session.

The Abortion Non-Discrimination Act is designed to protect hospitals whose policies prohibit performing abortions.  The bill is needed to clarify existing law because some courts have misinterpreted that law as only covering medical residents in training.  

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (H.R. 760 & S. 3) -- Now LAW!
(The final revised bill was approved by the Senate 64-34 on 10/22/03, after House approval 281-142 on 10/2/03.  The vote came after the bill's approval on 9/30/03 by a vote of 6-4 in the House/Senate conference committee. This revised bill removed the Senate amendment endorsing Roe v. Wade.   The bill was signed by President George W. Bush on November 5, 2003.)

Background information on efforts to ban partial birth abortion:

The U.S. Senate passed its version of the ban on partial birth abortion (S. 3), sponsored by Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), on March 13 by a lopsided vote of 64-33.  Before passing the bill, the Senate voted 52-46 to add one amendment, opposed by pro-life supporters of the bill, the Harkin Amendment, which endorses the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision and urges that it not be overturned.  The House version of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (H.R. 760) is sponsored by Congressman Steve Chabot (R-Oh.).  On June 4, the House approved the bill 282-139, in a form identical to the Senate-passed bill except without the Harkin Amendment.

Because the two bills differed with respect to the Harkin Amendment, a House-Senate conference committee was necessary.  After the House passed the bill in June, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tn.) attempted to accomplish the procedural step necessary to convene a conference committee, but Democratic senators delayed this action by demanding an additional eight hours of debate before allowing appointment of conference committee members. On July 30, Senator Frist agreed to this request, but it was too late to take action before the summer recess.  Finally, after eight hours of debate were completed, on 9/17/03 the U.S. Senate passed by a vote of 93-0 a motion to appoint members to a conference committee so differences in the bills could be resolved.

 

Action needed here?  You decide ......

Chicago Tribune bias reduced (11/14/03)

Chicago Tribune Shows More Bias (April 28, 2004)

 

 

Status of 2003 Illinois legislation that impacts life issues
(more details and comments are provided below)

HB 211   mandates contraceptive coverage in insurance plans
Status: signed into law by governor Blagojevich on July 7, 2003
after passage by the Illinois House 73-36 on 2/28/03 and the Illinois Senate 34-23 on 5/16/03
(The Illinois Senate tabled a conscience clause amendment, but approved
an amendment to clarify that abortion and surgical sterilization are not covered;
this amendment was approved by the House on 5/28 so the bill goes to the Governor)

 

 

These bills were never given a vote in the Illinois Senate in 2003
(and no further attempt was made to pass these bills in 2004):

SB 99    Classes-Sex Ed-Family Life-Health
(eliminates reference to marriage and views abstinence as just one choice without giving it any preference)
-- intended to abolish public school usage of the Project Reality abstinence program --
Status: approved by a Senate committee -- awaiting a Senate vote by 4/9/03
(April 9th deadline was not extended so this bill may be stopped)

SB 101  Human Rights - Sexual Orientation (creates special rights for homosexuals)
Status: approved by a Senate committee -- awaiting a Senate vote by 4/9/03
(Similar wording was placed in SB 3186 near the end of the 93rd General Assembly, and it was passed by the Illinois Senate on 01/10/05 and by the Illinois House on 01/11/05.   It was sent to the Governor for his signature)

SB 681  Gender Violence Act (expands "rights" based on sexual orientation)
Status: approved by a Senate committee -- awaiting a Senate vote by 4/9/03
(April 9th deadline was extended to 12/31/03 so this bill can be considered later)

 

 

These bills were held in committee in 2003
so they were effectively "dead" for the 2004 legislative session:

SB 17    Freedom of Choice Act
(makes abortion legal in Illinois law and prevents restrictions on abortion)

SB 140  Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
(restricts the right to pray and counsel in front of abortion clinics)

 

MORE DETAILS & COMMENTS ON THE
2003 ILLINOIS BILLS LISTED ABOVE

Below you will find some messages from
various sources (as noted) about the above bills.

 

HB 2486 (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act)
POSES SERIOUS THREAT TO PRO-LIFE PROTESTS
(from Illinois Family Institute)

A press release dated April 12, 2003 from Planned Parenthood states, "With Cardinal Francis George conducting a protest outside of the Planned Parenthood health center in the background, it underscores the need for the General Assembly to pass the Illinois Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (HB 2486) which prohibits conduct that is threatening, obstructionist, or violent towards persons seeking reproductive health services.  "No woman should feel intimidated when going intoo a clinic to obtain health services -- whether it is for an exam, counseling, family planning or an abortion," said Reverend Randall Doubet King, chairman of Planned Parenthood in Chicago.  Clearly, it is Planned Parenthood's position that HB 2486 would outlaw prayer vigils at abortion clinics as "intimidating" to women.  

In contrast, the reality of the April 12th prayer vigil was a demonstration of support for the value of the lives of unborn children and true concern for their mothers.  During the prayer vigil, sidewalk counselors talked to women before they entered Planned Parenthood.  These counselors gave women information that empowered them to make an informed choice.  At least two women chose not to have their scheduled abortions. 

The abortion industry won a victory when the federal government passed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances legislation a number of years ago.  Now an Illinois lawmaker would like to see those limits expanded, particularly in providing greater means for lawsuits against those who come to abortion clinics to pray and to counsel young mothers. Specifically, HB 2486 would add provisions for “compensatory and punitive damages,” as well as the assessment of legal fees against those who protest the loss of life at abortion clinics in Illinois, or who seek to speak with clinic visitors. These restrictions would be in addition to the federal restrictions already in place.

Letters regarding HB 2486:

Free Speech Rights Under Attack Again  (04/15/03)

 

 

HB 211 (require insurance coverage of contraception)

Requires insurance companies to pay for all forms of contraception, including abortifacents, and has the effect of increasing health insurance premiums, which may force some small business to drop health insurance coverage

The Illinois House has approved HB 211, which would require that all health insurance policies cover outpatient prescription “contraceptive” drugs and devices, as well as outpatient “contraceptive” services.  Lacking any definition of “contraceptive” in the bill, this measure will force insurance policies to pay for abortifacients (chemical abortion drugs) and could also include outpatient abortion procedures.

News/Commentary regarding HB 211:

IL Senate to consider mandating contraceptive coverage  (05/06/03)

 

 

HB 3589 (Stem Cell Research Act)
Permits human cloning for research

Permits "somatic cell nuclear transplantation" which is the technical term for the procedure used to achieve cloning -- the bill states:

24        Section  10.  Policy  permitting  research. The policy of
25        the State of Illinois shall be as follows:
26             (1)  That research involving the derivation and  use
27        of  human  embryonic  stem  cells,  human  embryonic germ
28        cells, and  human  adult  stem  cells  from  any  source,
29        including  somatic cell nuclear transplantation, shall be
30        permitted and that the ethical and  medical  implications
31        of this research shall be given full consideration.

This measure establishes broad approval of stem cell research in Illinois -- including the use of cells taken from human embryos and live aborted babies.  Even as the Bush administration has cut federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, this bill would encourage such research here in Illinois.

 

 

SEX-ED BILL (SB 99)
Illinois Family Institute's latest press release on the "MARRIAGE-DOESN'T-MATTER" bill.

2/10/2003 3:51:27 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARNING! MARRIAGE-FREE ZONE AHEAD!

February 10, 2003 -- Illinois Family Institute is urging Illinois legislators to deep-six a proposed Marriage-Doesn’t-Matter Sex Education bill. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by state Sen. Carol Ronen, would eliminate any mention of marriage from the comprehensive sex education/family living programs for Illinois public school students.

“It seems someone is playing a sick joke on Illinois pupils and families by suggesting that comprehensive sex ed and family living classes are complete without a whisper about marriage,” opined Dawn Earl, IFI’s education policy analyst.

The current language in the Illinois School Code requires that “course material and instruction shall teach honor and respect for monogamous heterosexual marriage.” This language is completely eliminated in the proposed legislation.

Why is the government attempting to make sex education classes marriage-free zones? Ronen’s bill seems oddly out of touch with the reams of research data piling up in favor of the positive effects of marriage on society and culture.

David Popenoe and Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, in The State of Our Unions 2001, wrote of marriage as “a fundamental social institution. It is central to the nurture and raising of children. It is the ‘social glue’ that reliably attaches fathers to children. It contributes to the physical, emotional, and economic health of men, women, and children, and thus to the nation as a whole. It is also one of the most highly prized of all human relationships and a central goal of most Americans.”

IFI believes that current data overwhelming supports the need to teach students to honor and respect the institution of marriage.

Citing the high costs of divorce and unmarried childbearing on children and taxpayers, Maggie Gallagher of the Institute for American Values looked for ways the government can reduce these costs. One of the recommendations indicated by her research findings: Add an explicit marriage message to all government-funded teen pregnancy programs.

Other issues. Beyond the glaring reality of the marriage controversy, the proposed rewrite of the state law concerning the teaching of sex education and family living classes raises a number of other serious issues. Consider the implications of the following proposed changes:

• While marriage is being banned from Illinois classrooms, kids as young as kindergarten would be included in the state-mandated comprehensive sex education program if this measure were adopted.

• While the bill calls for “medically accurate” sex education programs, it redefines STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) as mere infections. Such political pandering with medical terminology opens the door for legitimate challenges to the whole concept of “medically accurate.”

• The bill also replaces the “emphasis on abstinence until marriage” and “emphasis on abstinence as the only protection that is 100% effective against pregnancy” language with “discussion of abstinence as a method to prevent pregnancy.”

• Rather than teaching alternatives to abortion, the bill contains the recommendation to “teach all options related to unintended pregnancy.” Combine this with the proposed statuary requirement to provide pupils with information on “counseling, medical, and legal resources available.” No mention is made of parental notification in these cases.

• All of this material and instruction will now be “free of racial, ethnic, gender, religious, or sexual orientation biases.” Is there any value in value-less family life and sex education lessons?

• Also eliminated by the Marriage-Doesn’t-Matter bill is any “discussion of the emotional and psychological consequences of preadolescent and adolescent sex outside of marriage.”

 

 

SB 101 (human rights statute - add sexual orientation)
(comments from: Illinois Pro-Family Emergency Alliance)

Vote No on Special Rights for Homosexuals

The Reasons Why:

I.  SB 101 is clearly unconstitutional.

In Boy Scouts et al.  v. Dale 530 U.S. 640 (2000), the Supreme Court held that forced retention of an avowed homosexual activist scout leader violated the Boy Scouts First Amendment Right of expressive association.   The Court makes clear that creating this new protective class would unconstitutionally infringe upon First Amendment rights of speech, religious expression, and expressive associations for groups like the Boy Scouts et al. Salvation Army etc.

SB 101 contains no exemptions for these faith-based groups. 

II.  Passage of 101 will result in a multitude of frivolous lawsuits
against Illinois employers and Public School districts

Since the term “sexual orientation” includes at least 27 known “sexual orientations” including transvestites, transsexuals, and pedophiles any of these classifications could use the protective status accorded under SB 101 to sue their employer if terminated.

Should a restaurant owner be forced to maintain a transvestite employee (cross dresser)?

Should a public school district be forced to maintain a first grade school teacher who is a transvestite or possibly a pedophile simply because they are “gay.”

III.  Violation of Religious Expression

Under SB 101 there is no religious exemption for churches, synagogues, and individuals, except as it relates to church hiring based on “a particular religion.”  Many churches and synagogues would be forced to hire homosexuals and cross dressers against their own religious doctrines.

IV.  Passage of SB 101 will lead to same-sex marriage in Illinois

The Vermont Supreme Court mandated that the Vermont legislature pass a civil union statute based upon the fact that the legislature had already made homosexuals a specially protected class in legislation similar to SB 101. If SB 101 is passed we can anticipate an immediate legal challenge to Illinois’ Defense of Marriage Act (1996) which defines marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman.

 

 

SB 681  Gender Violence Act (expands "rights" based on sexual orientation)

Senate Bill 681 -- the so-called “Gender Violence Act” --   it is promoted as a measure protecting women and children from domestic violence, but it is, in fact, a vehicle for expanding and further granting legal standing on the basis of   “sexual orientation” and “sex or gender role conformity or nonconformity.”   (from Illinois Family Institute)

 

 

HJRCA 1 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

CitizenLink is encouraging Illinois residents to contact their state lawmakers and ask for a NO vote on HJRCA 1, which purports to create equal rights for women, but can more accurately be viewed as effort by radical feminists to erase any differences between men and women, and to create a constitutional right to taxpayer-funded abortions and same-sex marriage.


 

SB 17 "Freedom of Choice" Act (comment from FamilyPAC)

Outlaws any further restriction of abortion in Illinois (which has virtually no restrictions now), and overturns the existing 1975 law that bans abortion except to save the life of the mother (which would apply again if Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court)

 

SB 140 (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act)
POSES SERIOUS THREAT TO PRO-LIFE PROTESTS
(from Illinois Family Institute)

The abortion industry won a victory when the federal government passed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances legislation a number of years ago. Now an Illinois lawmaker would like to see those limits expanded, particularly in providing greater means for lawsuits against those who come to abortion clinics to pray and to counsel young mothers. Specifically, SB 140 would add provisions for “compensatory and punitive damages,” as well as the assessment of legal fees against those who protest the loss of life at abortion clinics in Illinois, or who seek to speak with clinic visitors. These restrictions would be in addition to the federal restrictions already in place.