U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) introduced the House bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act | Courtesy of the Associated Press.
U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) introduced the House bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act | Courtesy of the Associated Press.
The Illinois Republican Congressional Delegation has pushed back against Gov. Bruce Rauner by voting for legislation that would ban abortions 20 weeks or more after conception across the country, according to a news release.
In September, the Republican governor signed a bill extending state health insurance and Medicaid coverage for abortions. The move angered many Illinois Republicans, including U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam, John Shimkus, Randy Hultgren, Rodney Davis, Adam Kinzinger, Darin LaHood and Mike Bost, who released a joint statement announcing their support for the Unborn Pain-Capable Child Protection Act.
“In a reversal of long-standing Illinois policy, Gov. Rauner has let down Illinois taxpayers and the unborn by signing H.B. 40,” the statement said. “Today, the Illinois delegation stands together in our support of H.R. 36 to protect human life.”
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner
| Courtesy of the Governor's Office
The act establishes that a fetus reacts to painful stimuli after 20 weeks. The bill passed the House on Oct. 3 and will be sent to the Senate.
The representatives cited the Hyde Amendment in their opposition to Rauner expanding abortion coverage in the state. The Hyde Amendment says federal funding can’t be used for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or the pregnant woman’s life is endangered due to an illness or injury.
Alerts Sign-up