CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF ILLINOIS DENOUNCES PARENTAL NOTICE OF ABORTION REPEAL
On behalf of the Illinois’ bishops and our entire Catholic community, the Catholic Conference of Illinois denounces the Illinois General Assembly’s vote to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Since 2013, this law has served to keep distressed young girls connected to those who love them the most. The law has also helped to ensure that those who would abuse minor girls cannot then erase the evidence of their crimes in the nearest abortion clinic.
According to a poll conducted this year, 72% of Illinois voters supported Parental Notice. Thirty-seven states, and every other state in the Midwest, have at least parental notice of abortion laws. Yet Illinois is no longer among them. What an ignominious outcome for those who supported and voted for the bill.
Repealing this law defies public support and is contrary to the legal and moral right of parents to care for their children. Today’s vote is and will be a tragedy for many families, young girls and so many unborn children. We pray for the day when every human life may be cherished from conception to natural death.