Support legal 'right of conscience' for all

The Illinois House of Representatives will soon be voting on HB40 - legislation which will continue to protect a woman's right to choose reproductive health care including abortion, and remove the discriminatory practice of denying coverage of abortion services to poor women and those insured by a government sponsored plan.

As Catholics, we urge our elected officials to vote yes on this critical legislation based on our strong conviction that we are called by our faith to follow our conscience in all matters of moral decision-making and to respect the right of others to do the same.

This right of conscience includes women making decisions about their pregnancies. Even if you personally believe you would not choose to have an abortion, in our free and democratic society, it is critical that we stand up for freedom of conscience - including freedom for others with whom we disagree.

Forcing women to give birth against their will by placing unnecessary and unfair obstacles in their way runs counter to the concept of civil liberties that is central to our society's fundamental principles. We also believe that this legal medical procedure should not be denied to any woman and that the current law discriminates against poor women especially.

We are not alone in this position. Polling of Catholics shows a majority understand that deciding to have an abortion can be a moral choice, and that insurance plans, whether government or private, should include coverage for abortion care. A majority of every age, education level, and income group supports legal abortions in the U.S. and disagrees with the Church hierarchy's position.

We urge our elected officials to support HB40 and support the rights of all Illinoisans.

Kathy Ryg, Former State Representative

Tara McGovern, Chicago Young Catholic Professionals