Dear Editor,
Winding its way through the legislative process in Springfield is House Bill 40. This bill, if enacted into law, would effectively mandate state support of abortion. It would also provide as a matter of course, abortion coverage in all state employee health plans as well as in the Medicaid program.
As if that were not enough, the bill would also provide for the funding of grants to organizations which refer, advocate for and perform abortions, namely Planned Parenthood.

Without event addressing the considerable merit of the growing argument against abortion on moral grounds, this bill is troubling in many other respects. First, with financial problems approaching the status of legendary, why would Illinois use tax payer dollars to support an “elective” medical procedure, which is a political issue, is divisive and contentious beyond measure?
Secondly, are there not better ways to spend tax dollars to help women, children and families that we can all support?
The impact of abortion is devastating to families and has long lasting emotional and physical consequences. Hope and healing after an abortion are available at http://hopeafterabortion.com.
Finally, we must say that we are appalled at the prospect embedded in this legislation, of being complicit in the provision of abortions when we pay our tax bill despite our deeply held religious beliefs to the contrary.

Bettye and Bob Chadwick
Rochelle