State of Illinois Archives: on Abortion


Darren Bailey: Opposes expansion of abortion access, taxpayer funding

As a man of faith, Darren is proudly pro-life and will always stand up to protect the rights of the unborn. Darren believes in the sanctity of life, and as a state legislator, voted against the extreme overhaul and expansion of abortion access in Illinois. Darren opposes state and taxpayer funding of abortions. As Governor, he will continue to defend innocent life.
Source: 2021 Gubernatorial campaign website BaileyForIllinois.com May 30, 2021

Jeanne Ives: Endorsed by Illinois Family Actionÿ& Susan B. Anthony List

Illinois Family Action is today announcing its list of "endorsed" candidates. A key race for the U.S. House of Representatives features West Point graduate, mother of five, and economic and social conservative Jeanne Ives who aims to take on the left-wing incumbent and fan of anti-Christian Dan Savage, Sean Casten. IFA enthusiastically endorses Jeanne Ives for U.S. House District 6. Jeanne has also received the endorsement of the Susan B. Anthony List for her stellar pro-life record.
Source: Illinois Family Action 2020 House IL-5 endorsements Mar 1, 2020

Mark Curran: IL Right to Life Action: rated most prolife in Senate race

Before federal and state elections, Illinois Right to Life Action surveys candidates to determine their position on issues concerning life. For the March 2020 IL GOP primary, the group rated former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran as most "pro-life." The group rated Mark Curran as most prolife with a "1." The IL Right to Life Action group gave incumbent U.S. Senator Dick Durbin a "4"--rating--Pro-Abortion.
Source: Illinois Review on 2020 Illinois Senate race Jan 31, 2020

Richard Durbin: IL Right to Life Action: rated "4" for pro-abortion

Before federal and state elections, Illinois Right to Life Action surveys candidates to determine their position on issues concerning life. For the March 2020 IL GOP primary, the group rated former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran as most "pro-life." The group rated Mark Curran as most prolife with a "1." The IL Right to Life Action group gave incumbent U.S. Senator Dick Durbin a "4"--rating--Pro-Abortion.
Source: Illinois right to Life on 2020 Illinois Senate endorsements Jan 31, 2020

Mark Curran: Pro-life, only allow abortion to save life of mother

He also said Durbin is "not really a Catholic," noting that Durbin, who is Catholic, has been denied communion in his home diocese in Springfield because he backs legal abortion. Curran said he is pro-life and would only allow abortion to save the life of the mother.
Source: State Journal-Register on 2020 Illinois Senate race Aug 18, 2019

Mark Curran: Opposed partial-birth abortion

Curran, an opponent of abortion rights, was a longtime supporter of allowing concealed carry of firearms in Illinois. He was not opposed to universal background checks to purchase a firearm but contended issues involving mental health and video games are more significant in dealing with gun violence than attempting to ban high-power weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. "There's a connection to the sanctity of life, that you could kill a baby in a partial-birth abortion," he said.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2020 Illinois Senate race Aug 7, 2019

J.B. Pritzker: Illinois is most progressive in nation for reproductive care

The governor for Illinois bragged that [the] state's new abortion law supposedly signals that Illinois "is a beacon of hope in the heart of this nation." The legislation essentially makes abortion-on-demand a reality and makes partial-birth abortion legal under Illinois law. "Illinois is making history, because our state will now be the most progressive in the nation for reproductive healthcare," Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement.
Source: Townhall.com blog on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race Jun 12, 2019

Bruce Rauner: Personally pro-choice, but respects religious objections

Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Pritzker: Legal. "An unwavering supporter of women's rights, a woman's right to choose and her right to privacy."

Rauner: Mixed. Signed bill to expand and protect abortion coverage. Personally pro-choice, but respects religious and moral objections, supports "pro-life" candidates.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Illinois Governor race Nov 1, 2018

J.B. Pritzker: Unwavering supporter of women's right

Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Pritzker: Legal. "An unwavering supporter of women's rights, a woman's right to choose and her right to privacy."

Rauner: Mixed. Signed bill to expand and protect abortion coverage. Personally pro-choice, but respects religious and moral objections, supports "pro-life" candidates.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Illinois Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Anne Stava-Murray: Progressive and pregnant prochoice champion

A progressive (and pregnant!) prochoice champion. She unofficially founded the local chapter of the Women's March and lobbied the local government on prochoice positions. Stava-Murray went to Springfield to lobby on HB40, legislation that provides state health insurance and Medicaid coverage for abortions. Stava-Murray, a prochoice advocate, understood the importance of including abortion services in the state health insurance and Medicaid. Reproductive Rights is Anne's top issue.
Source: DailyKos blog on 2020 Illinois Senate race Feb 14, 2018

Anne Stava-Murray: OpEd: Supports expanded abortion rights

Repeal partial birth abortion ban; allow abortion through all 9 months; eliminate licensing, health and safety inspections of abortion clinics; force private insurance companies to cover abortions; allow non-physicians to do chemical/medical abortions; remove physician requirements for babies born alive; remove requirement to investigate "maternal or fetal death due to abortion." Add "age" to "health of the patient" making the Parental Notification of Abortion Act wide open to court challenges.
Source: Illinois Family Institute on 2020 Illinois Senate race Feb 14, 2018

Ameya Pawar: Pro-choice even if Roe overturned

Health care is a human right, and that includes reproductive care. Ameya has always defended a woman's right to choose and as governor, he will continue to fight to provide access to affordable comprehensive care to urban and rural communities across the state. Ameya supports legislation that would protect a woman's agency over her own body in the event that the federal government rescinds those rights.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website pawar2018.com Sep 1, 2017

Chris Kennedy: Pro-choice even if Roe overturned

Chris Kennedy supports equal rights for women. He believes in equal pay for equal work, supports paid family and medical leave, the fight for $15, freedom from violence and sexual harassment, and full access to medical care for women, which should include everything from cancer screenings to prenatal care and a woman's right to choose. As governor, Chris would sign HB40, which protects access to abortion in Illinois, even if the U.S. Supreme Court overthrows Roe v. Wade.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website KennedyForIllinois.com Sep 1, 2017

Daniel Biss: Protect the right to choose

The federal government will not tell the women of Illinois what to do with their bodies. Daniel sponsored HB40, which protects a woman's right to choose even if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website DanielBiss.com Sep 1, 2017

Bruce Rauner: Pro-choice Republican torn if Roe overturned

He announced he'll veto abortion legislation HB40. The measure keeps abortion legal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade is overturned, calling for expanding abortion coverage under Medicaid and in state worker health plans. Illinois has "trigger" language on the books that threatens to automatically make abortion illegal if the high court overturns Roe. So if the governor vetoes the measure, it opens him to criticism that he isn't a committed supporter of abortion rights.
Source: Politico.com on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race May 5, 2017

J.B. Pritzker: Undo restrictions to preserve women's reproductive rights

Pritzker said if he is elected governor, he is prepared to preserve women's reproductive rights at all costs. "We need a governor to sign this bill and when I become governor, I will demand immediate action and I will be the governor that will sign it," he said.

The bill would remove language from the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 which declares that "the unborn child is a human being from the time of conception and is, therefore, a legal person for purposes of the unborn child's right to life." Additionally, the proposal would remove a provision that denies health insurance coverage of abortion to women on Medicaid and State Employee Health Insurance.

Source: Illinois Times on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race Apr 27, 2017

Daniel Biss: Criticized governor for attempt to ban abortion

Biss last year ran a political action committee that sought to link Rauner to President Donald Trump. At his campaign announcement this year, Biss criticized Rauner for refusing to speak out against Trump's attempts to curb immigration, to ban abortion and to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race Mar 20, 2017

Raja Krishnamoorthi: Consistent supporter of a woman's right to choose

Raja Krishnamoorthi is a longtime, consistent supporter of a woman's right to choose. As the husband of a physician, Raja believes that women have the right to make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their doctors and without the interference of politicians.

Raja will stand up in Congress against efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, which is the largest provider of health services to poor women across the country. He will fight efforts to reduce funding for contraceptive services, including removing those benefits from coverage under the Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare). And he will work to protect and expand U.S. efforts to improve women's access to healthcare and contraceptive services overseas

Source: 2016 Illinois House campaign website RajaForCongress.com Nov 8, 2016

Mark Kirk: Fund Planned Parenthood for non-abortion health services

Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?

Duckworth: No

Kirk: No

Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?

Duckworth: No

Kirk: No

Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: Yes

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Illinois Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Sharon Hansen: Life begins at conception, but listen to constituents

Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Hansen: Agree

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

Hansen: I personally am against abortion; however, should a vote come up while I am in office, I would ask my constituents where they are on this issue and ask them to let my office know. I would then vote based on the majority of the responses my office received. If elected, it would be my job to represent the people and not my personal beliefs.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Illinois Senate race Sep 30, 2014

Jim Oberweis: Abortion procedure should be outlawed

When he first ran for the US Senate 12 years ago, Oberweis angered GOP conservatives by injecting the Taliban into the debate over abortion and declaring it a matter of "choice that government should stay out of." He later declared himself a staunch abortion opponent and vowed the procedure should be outlawed.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times on 2014 Illinois Senate race Nov 22, 2013

Doug Truax: Calls himself "very pro-life" & supports limiting abortion

On Teri O'Brien's radio show, Republican candidate Doug Truax confirmed that he will push for a debate with US Senator Dick Durbin before next November. Among a number of issues with which he disagrees with Durbin, Truax, a West Point grad, said the military should be allowed to interrogate jihadists and not be restricted from using means necessary to protect American lives.

He said he is "very pro-life," and unlike Durbin, would support policies that limit abortion. When O'Brien pointed out that Dick Durbin said in an interview that he changed from being pro-life to being radically pro-abortion because pro-life people he'd met in DC were so mean, Truax responded, "How's that for conviction?"

Source: Illinois Review on 2014 Illinois Senate debate Oct 6, 2013

Pat Quinn: Support Roe v. Wade; oppose Parental Notice law

Governor Quinn firmly believes that decision about a woman's body should be made by her and her doctor. He supports a woman's right to privacy and choice without restriction as embodied in Roe v. Wade.

In accordance with his beliefs that healthcare should not be predicated on income, Governor Quinn supports legislation restoring abortion coverage under the state Medicaid plan. In addition, he supports legislation to repeal Illinois' 1995 Parental Notice of Abortion Law.

Source: 2010 Gubernatorial website quinnforillinois.com, "Issues" Nov 2, 2010

Alexi Giannoulias: Protect Roe v. Wade; fund prevention and contraception

The decision to have an abortion is a deeply personal and difficult one. Alexi is committed to protecting a woman's right to choose under Roe v. Wade, and opposes any constitutional amendment that would override that right.

Alexi supports more funding for preventive initiatives aimed at reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, including greater access to contraceptives that curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and comprehensive sex education programs that teach safe sex methods.

Source: 2010 Senate campaign website, AlexiForIllinois.com, "Issues" Dec 25, 2009

Richard Durbin: Abortion is a private decision

On social issues, Durbin, who once opposed abortion rights, defended his support for the procedure and called it a “private decision” that should be made by a woman, her doctor and her family. Sauerberg noted his opposition to abortion and said he and his family are actively involved in crisis pregnancy centers that provide women with an alternative.
Source: 2008 Illinois Senate Debate reported in the Chicago Tribune Oct 7, 2008

Steven Sauerberg: Provide women with an alternatives to abortion

On social issues, Durbin, who once opposed abortion rights, defended his support for the procedure and called it a “private decision” that should be made by a woman, her doctor and her family. Sauerberg noted his opposition to abortion and said he and his family are actively involved in crisis pregnancy centers that provide women with an alternative.
Source: 2008 Illinois Senate Debate reported in the Chicago Tribune Oct 7, 2008

Steven Sauerberg: I’m pro-baby, pro-mother and pro-family

Q: The one position no one seems to know is your position on abortion.

A: Actually, lots of people know.

Q: Okay, can we have your position in a sound byte?

A: If you want a sound byte, it’s ‘I’m pro-baby, pro-mother and pro-family.’ That’s the sound byte. My background is very simple: My wife and I have devoted thousands of dollars to CareNet crisis pregnancy center and others. My wife now raises funds for a number of different crisis pregnancy centers and organizations.

Source: 2008 Illinois Senate Debate: Illinois Review interview Jan 20, 2008

Steven Sauerberg: Born Alive Infant Protection Act is basic humanity

Q: Barack Obama is facing questions for his position while in the Illinois legislature as to his position on the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. Obama opposed it, as the state version included punishment for doctors who allowed babies born alive to die

A: I’ve delivered 500 babies and I cannot imagine a baby that had potential viability being abandoned. The concept would not have occurred to me, nor would it occur to many physicians, I can tell you that--it’s just basic humanity to me.

Source: 2008 Illinois Senate Debate: Illinois Review interview Jan 20, 2008

Alan Keyes: Pro-choice stance is the slaveholder’s position

Q: Doesn’t your pro-life stance conflict with your support of the death penaty?

KEYES: It doesn’t conflict at all. Abortion and capital punishment are at different level of moral concern.

OBAMA: It’s unfortunate that with the death penalty Mr. Keyes respects that people may have a different point of view but with the issue of abortion he has labeled people everything as terrorists to slaveholders to being consistent with Nazism for holding an opposing point of view.

KEYES: Mr. Obama has read the newspapers too much. I don’t call people names. I make arguments. And in point of fact, [the pro-choice stance] is the slaveholder’s position. Slaveholders took the view that black people were not developed enough to be treated as human beings and therefore can be bought and sold like animals. People looking at the babe in the womb take the view that it is not developed enough to be treated as a human being and therefore can be killed at will.

Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes Oct 21, 2004

Barack Obama: Moral accusations from pro-lifers are counterproductive

Q: [to Keyes]: Doesn’t your pro-life stance conflict with your support of the death penalty?

KEYES: It doesn’t conflict at all. Abortion and capital punishment are at different level of moral concern. Abortion is intrinsically, objectively wrong and sinful whereas capital punishment is a matter of judgment, which is not in and of itself a violation of moral right. The question of whether or not you should apply capital punishment depends on circumstances and it’s an area where Catholics have a right to debate and disagree.

OBAMA: Now I agree with Mr. Keyes that the death penalty and abortion are separate cases. It’s unfortunate that with the death penalty Mr. Keyes respects that people may have a different point of view but with the issue of abortion he has labeled people everything as terrorists to slaveholders to being consistent with Nazism for holding an opposing point of view. That kind of rhetoric is not helpful in resolving a deeply emotional subject.

Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes Oct 21, 2004

Alan Keyes: Running because of Obama’s extreme pro-abortion votes

[In looking over Obama’s] record, I was absolutely convinced that SOMEBODY had to run against Barack Obama! But if [his liberal voting record] had been the only points of difference between us, it would not have been me!

What finally caught my eye, is when I learned that he had, in April 2002, apparently cast a vote that would continue to allow live birth abortions in the state of Illinois.

Source: Senate announcement speech in Arlington Heights, Illinois Aug 8, 2004

Alan Keyes: Running because of Obama’s extreme pro-abortion votes

[In looking over Obama’s] record, I was absolutely convinced that SOMEBODY had to run against Barack Obama! But if [his liberal voting record] had been the only points of difference between us, it would not have been me!

What finally caught my eye, is when I learned that he had, in April 2002, apparently cast a vote that would continue to allow live birth abortions in the state of Illinois.

We are talking about a situation in which, in the course of an abortion procedure, a child has been born alive, is out of the womb, breathing and living on its own, and he cast a vote against the idea that we should not stand by and let that child die!

Now, some may see in that only an issue of sentiment and emotion, but I have to tell you that that involves an issue of the deepest principle for the people of this state and for our nation as a whole.

Source: Senate announcement speech in Arlington Heights, Illinois Aug 8, 2004

Barack Obama: Protect a woman’s right to choose

For almost a decade, Obama has been a leader in the Illinois legislature in the battle to protect a woman’s right to choose and promote equal economic rights and opportunities.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, ObamaForIllinois.com May 2, 2004

Mike Bost: Abortions should be illegal except for rape & incest

Source: 2000 Illinois National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2000

  • The above quotations are from State of Illinois Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021