Illinois Healthcare Personnel in Jeopardy of Losing Right to Refuse to Perform Abortions

By April 29, 2015Illinois

The Health Care Right of Conscience Act, SB 1564, was amended and passed last week in the State Senate 34 to 19. These amendments, in essence, gutted the original intent of the bill – protection for medical personnel with moral conscience.

SB 1564 must be stopped in the House! If passed by the House, it will broadly define “health care,” “health care personnel,” and “health care facility” thereby forcing health care personnel to violate their consciences in regard to medical procedures such as abortion, sterilization, and certain end-of-life care. It may even impact crisis pregnancy centers, possibly requiring them to tell their clients the “benefits” of abortion.

At a glance, the recent amendment may seem helpful to people of moral conscience. Upon a closer look, it’s actually the opposite! Concerned Women for America and several pro-life groups are vehemently opposing this legislation. Please join us! Your voice is vital!

In a national poll, ninety-five (95) percent of physicians agreed with this statement: “I would rather stop practicing medicine altogether then be forced to violate my conscience.”

SB 1564 is currently in the House Rules Committee. If passed out of committee, it is expected to be voted on by the full House sometime in May.

Please pray and act now!

Pray:

  • Pray for a public outcry from clergy and the church against this assault against religious beliefs.
  • Pray for the medical community to stand for their Right of Conscience.
  • Pray for legislators to realize that they are accountable to God for the votes they make.

Take Action:

  • Contact the members of the House Rules Committee and ask them to vote “no” on the Health Care Right of Conscience Act, SB 1564.
  • In anticipation of it possibly passing out of committee, be sure to contact your state representatives now. Urge them to vote “no” on the Health Care Right of Conscience Act, SB 1564, if it comes to the floor for a vote. Call them during business hours through the capital switchboard number (217) 782-2000. Click here to find out who your representatives are.
  • Click here to find out how your senator voted on SB 1564. Thank him if he voted “no”. Respectfully express your disappointment if they voted “yes”.
  • Encourage your pastor, friends, neighbors and associates to urge their state representatives to vote “no” on SB 1564.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke