Judge blocks Illinois law that forces pregnancy centers to promote abortion
An Illinois circuit court handed down a preliminary injunction against a law that would have forced pregnancy centers and pro-life medical professionals to refer patients to abortion businesses.
The injunction, which applies only to the clinics and individuals named in "Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, et al. v. Bruce Rauner et al," was granted by Judge Eugene Doherty of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Winnebago county on Tuesday. It could serve as a precedent for a broader case to challenge the law in federal court.
The law, which was signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner earlier this year, is set to take effect on Jan. 1.
The lawsuit was filed by the non-profit organization Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) on behalf of the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, Dr. Anthony Caruso at A Bella Baby OBGYN in Downers Grove, and Aid For Women. The case is scheduled to be heard on Jan. 10, 2017.
Tiffany Staman, executive director at Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, said that she is grateful for the injunction and that she is optimistic about the case.
"We realize this is just the beginning of the road, but we're really grateful that the court ruled based on our free speech rights that are found in the Constitution. We are looking forward to 2017 and following God's leading every step of the way," she said, according to Life News.
Doherty declared in the court order that the state's amendment violates the free speech rights of the plaintiffs by compelling them to speak a state-sponsored message, particularly since the state is capable of speaking its own message without forcing others to do so on its behalf.
"No state has the authority to compel health professionals, against their will and their sacred oath to 'do no harm,' to promote abortion," ADF senior counsel Matt Bowman said in a statement. "We commend the court's ruling which is a victory for free speech and the freedom of conscience," he went on to say.
Heartbeat International president Jor-El Godsey, who attended the hearing, commended the judge for granting the injunction. He has previously urged the 49 affiliates of his organization in Illinois to refuse compliance with the law should it come into effect.