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Abortion bills could see light of day soon

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Illinois

An Illinois state representative is preparing to call a bill that would expand abortion access for women on Medicaid and some state health insurance plans.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz says the bill, which has been floating for two years, has renewed urgency in light of anti-abortion comments made by President-elect Donald Trump while he was on the campaign trail.

Currently, Medicaid covers abortion in the cases of rape and incest, as well as in some cases where the health of the mother is at stake. But pro-choice advocates say the exceptions are narrow, subject to the agreement of an auditor and that current law discriminates against low-income women who are on Medicaid plans, when more expensive private health plans cover the service fully. […]

Another bill sponsored by Feigenholtz may be largely political. She is proposing to protect the legality of abortion in case the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade law is overturned. […]

The bill would abolish Illinois’ so-called ‘trigger law,’ that states that, if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortion would become illegal in Illinois, as would several forms of birth control. […]

Feigenholtz says she is close to having the required number of votes to pass both bills, but she does not believe she’ll have a veto-proof majority. That means the bills are contingent on Gov. Bruce Rauner supporting them and signing them into law.

We talked about that second bill yesterday, mainly because I heard this was coming.

Some supporters have been saying that they want to put Rauner on the hot seat. Either make him veto whatever they can get to his desk, or if he signs them it could gin up a credible primary opponent.

* But, always remember, suburban women have historically decided statewide elections and Rauner fully understands this. It’s a good bet that he signs whatever the sponsor can move to his desk, particularly that second bill, which doesn’t cost any money. We’ll see if they can pass the other one.

Keep in mind he already signed this hot potato…

An attorney for a Rockford pregnancy care center and a host of Downers Grove medical centers argued in a Winnebago County courtroom today that an amendment to state law will serve as “a sword” should they be forced to hand out information about abortion services.

The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, Anthony Caruso, A Bella Baby OBGYN in Downers Grove, Best Care for Women in Downers Grove and Aid for Women filed suit in August against Gov. Bruce Rauner regarding an amendment to the Illinois Healthcare Right of Conscience Act. Bryan A. Schneider, secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, also was named in the suit. […]

Bowman argued the amendment violates the free speech rights of anti-abortion medical professionals. If they don’t refer patients to those who provide abortions, or hand them a written list, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation “can fine you $10,000 and take away your medical license,” he said.

And a primary opponent? Who’s gonna fund it? And who you got? Also, too, history.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 3:07 pm

Comments

Rauner will sign it.

Just like earlier this year, he signed the law forcing medical experts who don’t do abortions do give a referral

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 3:10 pm
I think it’s more like- either Rauner vetoes it, and we get a leg up with suburban women, or he signs it, and we further protect Choice!

It’s actually win-win, and probably another reason Rauner woulda been happier with President Clinton.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 3:14 pm
It’s about time someone smoked out the “I have no social agenda” mularkey he’s been peddling. Let him fight the war on multiple fronts. Let the real Illinois conservatives line up behind their pro-abortion Governor. They must be so proud of him!

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 3:18 pm
== State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz says the bill, which has been floating for two years, has renewed urgency in light of anti-abortion comments made by President-elect Donald Trump while he was on the campaign trail. ==

And legislation that was recently passed In Ohio.

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 3:20 pm
Very worrisome…cmon GA women who are pro choice and their male colleagues, take care of this ASAP…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 3:35 pm
Could veto it on fiscal discipline grounds. The “suburban women” that put him in office aren’t on Medicaid. They’re on the health insurance plans that already pay for it.

Veto it and potentially please both sides.

Comment by BK Bro Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 6:12 pm
He’ll sign it.

Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 11:53 pm
This is an interesting dilemma for the Gov. Many suspect Diana’s “Emily’s List” proclivities are likely quietly shared by the Gov, despite his nonsense about not having a social agenda. R’s in the Senate and House were once thrown under the bus on the “Right of Conscience” nonsense bill that was entirely unnecessary. Not one R signed onto that bill yet Rauner signed it. That was seen by several R’s as Rauner’s second (or third for some R’s) act of betrayal.

If this these types of bills get to Rauner’s desk, watch the R’s in both Chambers, especially the House, get seriously angry that they have been betrayed yet again. While they take LOTS of bad votes for Rauner he shows them zero respect on a few of the bills that mean something to them.

Some may just jump from the Not-So-Good Ship Rauner then.

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Dec 14, 16 @ 6:24 am