A freshman Republican from the Illinois House's 101st District last month criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker's decision sign legislation that greatly expanded abortion access in the state.
State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) voted against Senate Bill 25, "Reproductive Health Act," that Pritzker signed June 12.
"This pro-abortion, anti-life legislation is a travesty," Caulkins said in a statement issued shortly after Pritzker signed the SB 25. "It makes abortion a fundamental right in Illinois and takes away any right to life for the unborn. SB 25 is the biggest expansion of abortion in Illinois since Roe v. Wade. As a conservative, pro-life Republican, I am appalled that Gov. Pritzker approved this horrific law."
Caulkins warned that, in practice, the new law removes the state's parental notification requirements.
"Furthermore, according to the House sponsor, this law will serve as a beacon for women seeking an abortion to come to Illinois," he said. "SB 25 is not about protecting women’s health. It will deregulate the abortion industry, eliminate the rights of unborn babies and eliminate restrictions on late term abortions. These extreme, expansive changes to our abortion laws will sadly make Illinois the abortion capital of the Midwest."
The 101st District includes all or parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean, and Piatt counties.
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