Friends,
Sure enough, more legislation is being proposed. Thankfully, we know how effective our voices can be. Please take 30 seconds to fill out a witness slip below and share it with others who want women to have a real choice in accessing the help they need at Pro-Life pregnancy resource centers like Waterleaf!
Below is guidance on how to fill it in. Please forward this message to family and friends!
Instructions to Fill out a Witness Slip to oppose this bill:
- Fill in your information.
- Write "Self" in two fields: Firm/Business or Agency" and Persons, groups firms represented in this appearance"
- Under Position, click opponent
- Under Testimony, click "Record Of Appearance Only"
What's Included in SB 1909
From our friends at Illinois Right to Life:
FIRST — The Forced Abortion Information Act claims to protect the ability of individuals “to make autonomous, informed and evidence-based decisions” about having an abortion. However, it is another attempt to force pregnancy help centers to cooperate in some way with abortions or referrals for abortions.
This bill would most likely lead to the closing of pregnancy help centers entirely.
SECOND — The Forced Abortion Information Act makes pregnancy resource centers and sidewalk advocates civilly liable for "deceptive acts or practice" for any concealment, suppression, or omission of a "material fact".
This means pro-life pregnancy resource centers could be liable for refusing to provide a woman with instructions on how to obtain an abortion, even if it violates an individual's conscience.
THIRD — Under the Forced Abortion Information Act, the Illinois Attorney General has the authority to initiative a complaint against pregnancy resource centers according to "public interest."
In other words, investigations by the state are not based on any specific complaint.
FOURTH — Under the Forced Abortion Information Act, the Attorney General also has the authority to "impound" pregnancy resource center records as the investigation continues.
If the Attorney General determines a center is in violation of the law, penalties up to $50,000 can be issued.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Fr. James Guarascio
Parochial Vicar
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
Parochial Vicar
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church