(Left to right) Paul Wierzbowski, Joe Scheidler, Ann Scheidler, and Joronda Crawford at the Illinois Capitol [Photo by John Jansen]
Over 50 pro-lifers headed to Springfield for the SpeakOut Illinois Lobby Day on Wednesday, March 10. Hearings were held on Wednesday morning on the Illinois version of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), known to the Illinois legislature as the Reproductive Health and Access bill, HB6205. Unfortunately the bill passed out of the Health and Human Services Committee by a vote of 5-2.
But providentially, pro-life activists representing the dozens of pro-life groups affiliated with SpeakOut Illinois were at the Capitol Wednesday to talk with their legislators and ask them to oppose any further expansion of abortion in Illinois. HB6205 would give Illinois its own Roe v Wade and make it virtually impossible to restrict or regulate abortion in any way. HB6205 also mandates tax dollars to pay for abortion and requires “comprehensive” sex education in public school districts.
Pro-life citizens often feel they have little or no control over the legislative process. We usually do not have the political connections or the money to influence elected officials. But we do have the grass roots and we are passionate about protecting life. The impact of personal contact with those legislators who need our vote and the votes of our friends in their districts cannot be overstated.
Alicia Torres of the Archdiocese of Chicago Respect Life Office talks with Rep. Bob Rita (D-28th) [Photo by John Jansen]
Here in Illinois the Capitol is inconveniently located in Springfield, a good three hours from most of the state’s population. It sends a powerful message to a state representative from Chicago or Naperville when one of his or her constituents takes a full day to drive to Springfield to lobby for a particular bill. On Wednesday, more than fifty Chicago area pro-life voters took the time to let their own representatives know how important it is to reject the pro-abortion HB6205.
Last year when this draconian bill was first introduced, pro-lifers mounted a successful lobbying effort to defeat the bill. Its sponsors did not even call it for a vote because they knew it would not pass. Pro-lifers hope for the same result this year.
We are blessed in America that we have access to our elected representatives. Our responsibility is to make sure they see our strength in the number of calls, letters and emails they get from their pro-life constituents. After all, if they want to be reelected, they will listen to what the people want. Let’s make sure they know we want protection for our unborn brothers and sisters.
Make Your Voice Heard
If you live in Illinois, call your state representative and tell them to VOTE NO on HB6205. If you’ve already called, please call again today. Get talking points and contact links here.
