Dupage Policy Journal

Jerry Evans, a congressional candidate in Illinois' 11th district, was hopeful following news of a leaked draft decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that could overturn the landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade.

"Our Constitution was written to protect our rights and provide equal opportunity for all," the candidate said on Facebook. "Abortion, by design, eliminates both. The idea this same Constitution protects the right to an abortion was always flagrantly wrong, and Roe v. Wade a terrible injustice. This is a historic moment in our fight to protect the unborn. I strongly oppose abortion and will always fight to protect the lives of unborn children in Illinois and across the nation."

In an unprecedented leak, Politico obtained a draft of the Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case seeking to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to CNBC. Roe v. Wade, decided 49 years ago, guaranteed women's right to undergo an abortion. The official ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson was expected in June.

"Court employees have an exemplary and important tradition of respecting the confidentiality of the judicial process and upholding the trust of the Court. This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here," Chief Justice John Roberts said of the leak, CNBC reported.             

Responding to the leaked draft, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker tweeted, "Hell no! In Illinois, we trust women. We cannot let their most profound and personal rights be violated."  

Abortion in Illinois will not be illegal or restricted even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, the Chicago Tribune reported. Although some states, such as Idaho and Utah, have "trigger laws" that would immediately ban abortion if Roe is overturned, Illinois does not. Illinois has some of the laxest abortion laws in the country, the story said. Thousands of women from different states come to Illinois for abortions every year. In 2020, more than 36,000 Illinois women had abortions, while almost 10,000 out-of-state women traveled to Illinois for abortions.   

Evans will face off against several GOP challengers, including Mark Carroll and Catalina Lauf, in the June 28 primary election. The winner will face off against incumbent U.S.  Democrat Bill Foster in the Nov. 8 general election, according to Ballotpedia.

Foster retweeted Pritzker's "Hell no" tweet and wrote, "Illinois stands with women."

Foster then retweeted Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton's tweet, which said, "Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is health care. #RoeVWade"