News & Commentary

Chief Bill Sponsors: House: Representative Robin Gabel Senate: Senator Toi Hutchinson Background In 2000, Illinois became the first state to ban shackling of pregnant prisoners during labor. The vote was unanimous in the House and Senate. In the 11 years since, there have been numerous examples of pregnant prisoners shackled during labor. Example of Why We Need This Law In 2006, a young, pregnant, woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. She was a approved for a residential treatment facility program where she was required to wear an electronic ankle monitor.  She was never categorized as a flight

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Victory! Defeated in Committee 6-7. An amendment to SB 1123 would have permitted religiously-based adoption agencies, acting on behalf of the State of Illinois, to discriminate against couples with a civil union - putting children at risk of being denied the best family placement for them. The ACLU testified and hundreds of ACLU supporters called their senators in opposition to this dangerous bill. Despite this victory, we expect proponents to try again this session. We'll keep you posted. Regulating abortion out of existence in Illinois (HB 3156) Victory! Defeated in House. After s

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Moments ago, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to pass House Bill 3156, a measure that sought to regulate access to abortion services in Illinois out of existence.The ACLU of Illinois opposed this measure throughout the legislative session -- including holding rallies in Springfield (when the measure was considered before the House Agricultural Committee) and in Naperville (in front of the sponsor's office).

In Wednesday's Tribune, columnist Eric Zorn writes that even as the "Ultrasound Opportunity Act," a bill church leaders are now lobbying heavily for in Springfield, is dressed up in the high-minded language of sound medical practice, leaders are open about the fact that its real purpose is to persuade women seeking abortions to change their minds at the last minute.

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