SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Senate has approved a sweeping abortion rights bill.
The 34-20 vote comes at a time when several other states have passed laws essentially banning the practice.
The bill establishes a woman’s “fundamental right” to an abortion and states that “a fertilized egg, embryo or fetus does not have independent rights.”
It also repeals the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, eliminating spousal consent, waiting periods, criminal penalties for abortion providers, and restrictions on abortion facilities.
The bill now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker. He campaigned on a promise to make Illinois the most progressive state in the country for reproductive rights.
The handmaids are back should the Senate call the abortion bill tonight. pic.twitter.com/MUAgXB9O9x
— Tahman Bradley (@tahmanbradley) May 31, 2019