Dupage Policy Journal

After running a 2018 campaign where she avoided taking an official stance on the issue of abortion, state Rep. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) has emerged as one of the co-sponsors of legislation critics say will turn Illinois into the "abortion capital" of the country.

Senate Bill 25, also known as the Reproductive Health Act, recently passed the House by a vote of 65-40 and is now bound for the Senate.

In its original form, the Thomas More Society argues SB 25 will do everything from lift the ban on partial-birth abortions to eliminate all restrictions on where abortions can be performed and allow non-physicians to perform procedures. The bill also seeks to establish “the fundamental right” of a pregnant woman to have an abortion and states that “a fertilized egg, embryo or fetus does not have independent rights.”

The Thomas More Society describes itself as a nonprofit, national public interest law firm and states on its website the bill would turn Illinois into the "Abortion Capital of America."

With the heavy financial backing of Democratic Party leader Mike Madigan, Villa knocked off Republican Tonia Khouri in the 49th District back in November.