Illinois conservatives file bill to reverse abortion law governor signed

Conservative lawmakers in Illinois are fighting back against a measure signed by the state’s Republican governor that would allow Medicaid and state health care plans to cover abortions.

The state’s conservative lawmakers have filed legislation aimed at prohibiting taxpayer funds from being used to cover abortions, The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday. 

“This controversial and culturally divisive act should not be one that taxpayers should be forced to fund,” Republican state Sen. Dan McConchie told the newspaper.

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“Likewise, there is no good reason for taxpayers to be on the hook for someone else’s personal decision,” McConchie added. 

The bill comes less than a month after Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) signed legislation allowing abortions to be covered by Medicaid and Illinois health plans, prompting backlash from members of his party.

“I believe that a woman living with limited financial means should not be put in the position where she has to choose something different than a woman of higher income would be able to choose,” Rauner said at the time. 

Conservatives have said they are considering a legal challenge to block Rauner’s legislation, according to The Chicago Tribune. 

While the conservative legislation looking to offset Rauner’s bill is unlikely to gain traction, it highlights a major divide between the Republican governor and his conservative counterparts in the state legislature. 

Rauner is one of the most vulnerable governors up for reelection in 2018 and could face a primary challenge.