It should not come as a surprise to you, though, that the Illinois state legislature would disagree on that point, as it has passed The Reproductive Health Act. This law, provides greater access to pregnancy care, contraception, abortion procedures and other related benefits for all people and all genders.
Democratic lawmakers aren't satisfied, and they won't be until their efforts to repeal the Illinois Parental Notification of Abortion Act that was signed into law in 1995. This particular law requires that when a girl under the age of 18 desires an abortion that her guardian(s) be notified two days before the procedure takes place.
The issue of abortion as healthcare is a moral issue because as Christians, we are called by the Bible to choose life. The most basic of commands is in fact the sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." If you look in the book of Deuteronomy, you'll find another life affirming quote, "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now, choose life, so that you and your children may live."-Deuteronomy 30:19 Yet another scripture that we're all too familiar with is the one about being knit together in your mother's womb, Psalm 139:"For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb." All of these scriptures point to a God who is life affirming, and he calls those who follow him to be like Him.
The issue of abortion as healthcare in the context of this law is also a parental rights issue. This law, as it is written would violate parental rights of the parents of these teens in crisis. Parental rights are not something to be toyed with. So many times in recent history they've been undermined by various circuit courts and CPS case workers and the like. Fortunately, there is a group focused on protecting parental rights called, you guessed it, Parental Rights.org. Their mission is to protect parental rights through an amendment to the United States Constitution. They also believe that parental rights are fundamental. From their website,
"Parents play an irreplaceable role in the lives of their children. This vital relationship positively impacts a child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The right of parents to maintain a strong involvement in their children's lives has been continually upheld by Supreme Court doctrine. It is deeply valued by millions of American families"
The issue of abortion as healthcare is also a fiscal issue in the eyes of the secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar. He made a statement recently in regards to the Trump administration's effort to prevent groups receiving federal funds, under the Title X from using funds to 'perform, promote, refer to, or support abortion as a method of family planning.' "Congress has said that you cannot support abortion as a method of family planning. We're just finally enforcing it."
So, you see, as so many other legislative efforts that have been put forth by so many other state houses and even Congress, this law will most assuredly end up in the court system to be determined by a judge. However, we as citizens and Christians must remain vigilant and remember, "The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." And all of God's children say, "Amen!"
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