How did they vote?

On Wednesday evening, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 72 to 45 to ratify SJRCA 4, a completely unnecessary proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to eradicate sex as a legitimate characteristic on which to base reasonable distinctions.

Click HERE to see how your state representative voted on this legislation, or look at the graphic below.

For more than two hours, state lawmakers debated this issue. The fact that this legislation says nothing about women didn’t dissuade 15 legislators from rising to the microphone to express their support. These advocates included the sponsor, Lou Lang (D-Skokie), Ann Williams (D-Chicago), David Harris (R-Arlington Heights), Steve Andersson (R-Geneva), Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), Laura Fine (D-Glenview), Christine Winger (R-Bloomingdale), Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Emmanuel Welch (D-Chicago), Carol Ammons (D-Chicago), Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), Christian Mitchell (D-Chicago), Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), and Juliana Stratton (D-Chicago).

It is interesting to note that both State Representatives Christine Winger and Dan Brady prefaced their remarks by claiming to be pro-life, even though it is well known that Planned Parenthood is a strong proponent of this legislation precisely because it will expand abortion “rights” throughout the nation and dismantle vital abortion restrictions—including parental notification (or consent) laws.

On the pro-life/pro-family side, eight state lawmakers rose to speak against the ERA, including Pete Breen (R-Lombard), Allen Skillicorn (R-Crystal Lake), Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), Terry Bryant (R-Mt. Vernon), and Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan).

Proponents of the ERA claim that they need one more state to ratify this constitutional amendment for complete victory, even though the deadline for passage expired decades ago and even though five states have voted to rescind their ratification over the years it has been pending. If one more state votes for its passage, the issue will certainly wind up in the courts.

In addition to proponents of the legalized slaughter of human beings in the womb, there is another constituency that is celebrating tonight: people who masquerade as the sex they are not.

Thanks for nothing to the 72 feckless state representatives who demonstrated again why Illinois is such a sorry state.

The official roll call of this vote:

IFI is working with other Illinois pro-life groups in advocating for an important pro-life bill sponsored by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake).  If passed, HB 2701 would require abortion providers to simply offer an ultrasound picture to women considering abortion.  The choice of whether or not to view the ultrasound picture is still hers.  Research has proven that between 80 and 90 percent of “abortion minded” women who see images of their unborn children choose life.

Take ACTION: Click HERE to send an email or a fax to your state representative to ask him/her to support HB 2701.  Informed consent for women in a crisis pregnancy is vital.  HB 2701 is a reasonable reform to offer Illinois women true choice.

This legislation already has fourteen co-sponsors:  Representatives Jerry Costello (D- Red Bud), Terri Bryant (R-Mt. Vernon), Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove), Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), Peter Breen (R-Lombard), Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford), Patricia Bellock (R-Westmont), David McSweeny (R-Cary), Daniel Beiser (D-Alton), David Reis (R-Olney), Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville), and Michael Unes (R-Pekin).

Background

The backers of commercialized abortion like to say their guiding principle is “choice,” but women considering abortion are truly not in a position to make an informed choice without having sufficient, objective information.  Such complete and accurate information on the reality and status of her pregnancy and of the unborn child she is carrying is essential to her psychological and physical well-being and to her free exercise of autonomy.

We are living in the 21st century, with medical technology which offers pregnant mothers the opportunity for such information via ultrasonography.  Yet few if any abortion doctors offer ultrasound imaging to their patients. That is the reason HB 2701 is a needed and compassionate approach to informed consent.

Of course, the bill also offers a measure of protection for the unborn child.

An exception is provided where a medical emergency would necessitate skipping this stage in the informed consent process.

We commend the bi-partisan group of state representatives for their sponsorship of this common sense piece of legislation.

Please contact your state representative today to encourage him/her to support HB 2701.

You make our work for pro-family values possible – Donate today!  To make a credit card donation over the phone, call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.  You can also send a gift to:

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, IL  60188