SE Illinois News

The number of taxpayer-funded abortions increased by 274 percent over the first six months of this year compared to last year, leaving Republican candidate Darren Bailey sick to his stomach.

“It absolutely sickens me that we are being so cavalier about human life,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “We can talk about fiscal responsibility and policy issues all we want; but until we deal with all our moral instability, nothing will change. You look at history, and with all the past empires their demise came about from moral instability. When you lose focus of what you stand for, this is what happens. Until we value life as we should, we will be held under this curse.”

Illinois Department of Health and Family Services records show that over the first six months of this year the number of taxpayer-funded abortions jumped by 230 compared to the same time last year, according to the Illinois News Network.

State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) blames the increase on House Bill 40, which Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law last year. Language in the bill paves the way for state tax dollars to be used for abortions for Medicaid recipients and state employees.

Bailey is running against Democrat Cynthia Given in the 109th District and believes it is up to lawmakers to do what they can.

“We need to do the right things here,” Bailey said. “This is where I applaud (President Donald) Trump on the issue of the Supreme Court. He is placing judges that believe life starts at conception.”

Bailey also supports Breen who is challenging HB 40 in the courts.

“Again, if you look at history, on all these moral issues is where the hard times start,” Bailey said. “We need to be doing the right thing. You see all these campaigns to save a dog’s life, to save a cat, yet abortions persist. Men and women need to be standing up and speaking out.”