The Madison County Republicans took to Facebook recently to rebuke Gov. Bruce Rauner for his decision to force state health insurance and Medicaid to cover abortions for any reason.
“Sad day for the unborn children in this state,” the post reads. “Taxpayer-funded abortions for any reason. This will also now be included as standard coverage for all state employees as part of their 'health' insurance benefits. It’s estimated that Illinois taxpayers will now be paying for 20,000-30,000 abortions per year under this new legislation.”
During his 2014 campaign, Rauner vowed not to take up social issues. While his enactment of HB40 appears to go against that promise, Rauner claims he has always been a supporter of a woman's right to choose.
Gov. Bruce Rauner
| Illinois.gov
"I understand abortion is a very emotional issue with passionate opinions on both sides," Rauner said on his website. "I sincerely respect those who believe abortion is morally wrong. They are good people motivated by principle. But, as I have always said, I believe a woman should have the right to make that choice herself and I do not believe that choice should be determined by income. I do not think it's fair to deny poor women the choice that wealthy women have.”
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider said the party will still back Rauner in his re-election campaign even as Democrats try to use it against the GOP.
“As chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, I will not let that happen," he said on the GOP website. "Our state faces great challenges, and we are focused on the issues that unite us as Republicans and as Illinoisans. There is no daylight between Gov. Rauner and the Illinois Republican Party and we will continue working hard to ensure his reelection and finally defeat (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) once and for all."
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