CHICAGO — Gov. J-B Pritzker on Tuesday spoke out against overturning Roe v. Wade, affirming reproductive rights in Illinois.
Pritzker condemned the Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, allowing states to enact even more restrictive anti-choice laws that would deny a woman’s access to reproductive health care.
“The terrifying implications of this decision and what it means for millions of women across the country cannot be understated,” Pritzker said.
“But let me be clear –no matter what atrocity of an opinion the Supreme Court officially rolls out this summer in regards to Roe versus Wade — abortion will always be safe and legal here in Illinois,” Pritzker added.
Early in his term, Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act, protecting Illinois women in anticipation of a conservative Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
“I will fight like hell — not just for the women who call Illinois home, but every person in every corner of this country who deserves to live a life of their own design,” Pritzker said.
The governor also repealed the Parental Notification Act last year, ensuring pregnant minors can choose whether or not to involve their parents or legal guardians in their decision to have an abortion.
Senator Melinda Bush spoke passionately Tuesday along side Gov. Pritzker and some of her colleagues.
“No person should be able to dictate or take away a woman’s right to choose. The move by the country’s top court is devastating, disheartening and downright appalling,” Bush said.
Senate President Don Harmon said, “As long as there is a Democratic majority in the Illinois State Senate, women will have their rights protected. We will stand as a bulwark against any efforts to turn back the clock to darker days.”
The Supreme Court on Tuesday confirmed the authenticity of the draft opinion leaked to Politico.
The source of the leak will be investigated by the Marshal of the Supreme Court.
