SE Illinois News

Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) has joined the growing chorus of GOP lawmakers voicing displeasure with Gov. Bruce Rauner's signing of abortion expansion bill HB40.

“I consider myself to be pro-life before an elected official, a Republican, or anything else, which is why I voted against House Bill 40 and co-sponsored House Resolution 620 encouraging the Governor to veto House Bill 40,” Severin said in a statement. “Protecting the sanctity of life is my guiding principle, and I will continue to fight for our shared values.”

Medicaid recipients and state workers will now be able to receive free abortions for any reason up until the last day of their pregnancy. Before now, funding was limited to cases of rape, incest, and health and life of the mother.

Rep. Dave Severin

Rauner is the first governor to sign off on taxpayer funding of abortions. Illinois Right to Life estimates that the law could force taxpayers to shell out $21 million and lead to an estimated 12,000 more abortions each year.

“This is very concerning to me on two aspects: the morals of the bill and how it impacts the state of Illinois and taxpayers,” Severin said.

While a candidate in 2014, Rauner vowed that he would “have no social agenda” if elected.

Live Action has also reported  that earlier this year Rauner pledged to veto the bill.