“Stand with our brothers as we fight against tyranny!” These patriotic words, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda for his hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” echo forth today as another Fourth of July has come and gone.
Yes, we as Americans traditionally have celebrated our independence — but are we really as independent as we think? Ask our newly elected governor, J.B. Pritzker, about this as he recently signed abortion legislation into law. According to the Chicago Tribune, it is one of the most sweeping “abortion rights” legislation in the nation.
Maybe we should take another look at that pesky fine print in the so-called “Reproductive Health Act” that strips away Illinoisans’ and, specifically, women’s rights. Let’s start with the doctors. A doctor does not need to be present in the room where the abortion happens. Women who undergo abortions are no longer entitled to professional care by a trained physician, thereby increasing health risks associated with the procedure.
Care to learn more? Abortion clinics will no longer be subject to state inspections. What does this mean?
Check out Whole Woman’s Health clinic, just south of us in Peoria. According to a state inspection in March 2018, the abortion clinic was penalized with a multitude of violations — including failing to properly store syringes, properly label drugs, and failing to review a patient’s consent form before dispensing abortion drugs.
Lucky for the abortion operators, none of these things matter anymore, since they have Gov. Pritzker on their side. So much for caring about a woman’s well-being and health.
Finally, over 4,000 people descended on Springfield on March 20 to voice their objections to this act, prompting the fire marshal to close the doors to the Statehouse Rotunda for safety concerns. The fire marshal cared about safety, even as legislators voted to undo necessary health and safety measures for women.
People of Illinois, with your votes, voices, and actions, say “no” to this. Say “no” before Pritzker limits our free speech, religious liberty and our opportunities to offer compassionate alternatives to abortion.
Stand against Gov. Pritzker’s tyranny as he continues to act against the wishes of the people he took an oath to serve. Don’t wait to see which way the wind will blow. The rights of unborn children and women in this state are at stake. They need you. Today, tomorrow and the day after that. Their very lives depend on you.
Go ahead, though. Enjoy your independence. While you still have it.
Brian Heller, Walnut
