A federal judge in Illinois has
blocked enforcement of a law that would have forced doctors to promote abortions,
no matter their religious beliefs.
“The government is
out of line when it attempts to force Americans to communicate a message that
is contrary to their most deeply held beliefs” said Elissa Graves, Alliance
Defending Freedom (ADF) Legal Counsel.
ADF attorneys challenged the law which
they say violates the U.S. Constitution as well as the rights of physicians. This is the second time the law has been
challenged. The first injunction only
protected a select group of pregnancy centers involved in the case.
The federal court ruling takes it a
step further, protecting all health care professionals who want to exercise
their right of conscience. The U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois stated that the law
clearly targets the free speech of people with a specific viewpoint. They go on to say that the plaintiffs clearly
demonstrated that, “the amended act discriminates based on their viewpoint by
compelling them to tell their patients that abortion is a legal treatment
option, which has benefits, and, at a minimum and upon request, to give their
patients the identifying information of providers who will perform an
abortion.”
According to the law, doctors as well
as medical and pregnancy facilities would be required to offer women a list of
abortion information and resources if they ask for it.
“We applaud this ruling that stops the
state of Illinois from forcing pro-life pregnancy medical clinics to become
abortion referral agencies,” said Thomas A. Glessner, President of the National
Institute of Family and Life Advocates.
Rev.
Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain
(Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor,
Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel
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