Peoria Standard

Local Illinoisans are rallying their neighbors against legislation meant to advance abortions. 

The bill, according to Jeanne Smith of Peoria. would “Allow doctors who have lost their medical licenses in other states to perform abortions in Illinois.” 

“A bill currently in the Illinois State Senate, HB 4664, contains a raft of new abortion measures,” Jeanne Smith, of Peoria, said. “Allow non-physicians like midwives and physician's assistants to perform abortions. Create a ‘temporary permit for out of state abortionists to perform abortions in Illinois.” 

The legislation would also “Empower the Attorney General to go after pro-life pregnancy centers and even sidewalk counselors for spreading ‘misinformation’ with fines of up to $50,000!” 

“We need to do everything in our power to let our legislators know that we are disgusted by this bill," Smith said. "Will you join me in calling your State Senator TODAY to stop this bill? This destroys choice and the 1st Amendment AND puts women's lives at risk by allowing incompetent people to perform surgical procedures.” 

State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is one of the many who is opposing the bill. “Under this bill, minors could receive a surgical abortion from a non-doctor, paid for by the taxpayer, in a clinic that is not held to the same standards as other medical facilities, and their parents never have to know,” Caulkins said on Facebook. Caulkins added the bill strips parents of their right to lead their children’s healthcare decisions. “The bill sets standards for gender-affirming care that will mean doctors can provide hormonal therapy or surgical gender reassignment surgery without requiring parental involvement and with no age limit,” Caulkins added. “This bill will require Illinois insurance plans to cover gender-affirming medication to be covered without copay or deductible to any person without age restrictions and no requirement for parental notification.”

The bill came out of the Dobbs Decision Working Group made up of Illinois lawmakers has passed the Illinois House and awaits action in the Senate. “The Illinois House Reproductive Health and the Dobbs Decision Working Group is highlighting its plan to protect abortion and gender-affirming health care. This plan heads to the House floor tonight. @RepKellyCassidy @PPIAction @EqualityILL #twill," Mike Miletich, capital bureau chief for WEEK-TV, said on Twitter.

Abortion clinics in Illinois have expanded their capacity in preparation for an increase in demand for abortions. Along the state's border with states controlled by Republicans, Planned Parenthood has opened a number of additional abortion clinics. Abortion advocates anticipate a five-fold increase in the number of abortions, Prairie State Wire reported.