Prairie State Wire

Illinois Right to Life executive director Amy Gehrke says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s repeal of an abortion law will lead to child trafficking.

Pritzker is facing criticism from those concerned the a bill he signed into law stripping parents of the right to know their child is having an abortion will increase sexual exploitation of minors.

“By signing HB 370, repealing Parental Notice of Abortion in Illinois, Governor Pritzker has ignored the will of Illinois voters, trampled on the right of parents to be involved in their children’s health care, and put countless minor girls from Illinois and beyond at the mercy of sexual predators. This defies comprehension,” Gehrke said in a statement.

Now that the act has been repealed, abortion providers will not be required to give parents or guardians notice of a minor undergoing an abortion. The repealed law had mandated a 48-hour notice.

Pritzker signed the bill in the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing civil penalties against abortion providers that appears to allow states to end the practice.

Illinois has seen nearly double the number of abortions as nearby conservative-led states have put limits on the procedure.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Planned Parenthood of Illinois recently built new abortion clinics at the state’s borders with GOP-led states. The organization said abortion providers are preparing for a five-fold increase in the number of abortions for out-of-state patients.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield has also weighed in on the legislation. 

“[T]he government has provided evil the cover of darkness in which it thrives. The devil desires darkness and despises the light," Paprocki said. "It is striking how much this legislation does to provide cover, secrecy, and darkness over evil deeds.”

Pritzker’s press release announcing the bill commended its proponents. 

“With reproductive rights under attack across the nation, Illinois is once again establishing itself as a leader in ensuring access to healthcare services,” Pritzker said in a press release. “This repeal was essential, because it was the most vulnerable pregnant minors who were punished by this law: victims of rape and physical abuse in unsafe homes. I thank Representative Anna Moeller, Senator Elgie Sims and the lawmakers and advocates who have fiercely fought to repeal this law and keep vulnerable young people safe. I’m proud that Illinois continues to be a national leader in protecting reproductive rights.”