SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Democratic-controlled Illinois House has approved public funding for all abortions.
The House voted 62-55 Tuesday to allow state-employee health insurance or Medicaid to cover abortions. Medicaid currently covers abortions in limited cases.
The vote capped a two-hour debate and coincided with the Illinois Women March on Springfield for a “progressive agenda.”
The measure is sponsored by Chicago Democratic state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz.
She called it an issue of fairness and says it also ensures abortion remains legal in Illinois if the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion is overturned.
Republican state Rep. Peter Breen of Lombard says Medicaid-funded abortions do not qualify for federal match so would cost Illinois an extra $60 million a year.
GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner now opposes public funding.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
A Democratic lawmaker pushing legislation to remove prohibitions on publicly funded abortions in Illinois hopes to call it for a vote as thousands of women converge on the capital to lobby for a “progressive agenda.”
Chicago Rep. Sara Feigenholtz’s measure would lift restrictions on abortions funded by Medicaid or state employee health insurance.
She says the legislation is also important because it ensures abortion remains on the books in Illinois if the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion is overturned.
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has pledged to veto it.
A vote Tuesday would coincide with the Illinois Women March on Springfield. It’s patterned on worldwide women’s marches Jan. 21.
It will include a rally for measures including Feigenholtz’s bill and the long-stalled ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
