While Senate Bill 25, also known as the Reproductive Health Act, was voted into law on June 1, 109th District Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) voted against the bill two days before the Senate vote. The state representative voted in line with the Republican Caucus and six members of the Democratic Caucus on May 28.
According to a news release, Bailey opposed the bill on grounds that it redefined the state’s definition of abortion while removing requirements for parent participation in the process. Bailey said he also opposed the bill’s financial structure which removes parent notifications while passing on financial burdens related to abortions from the individual to parents.
Senate Bill 25 passed in the House of Representatives on May 28 with a 64-50-4 vote. The passing of Senate Bill 25 on June 1 repealed the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 and eliminates waiting periods, spousal consent requirements, and some legal restrictions for doctors who carry out abortions.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a total of 39,329 abortions were reported in Illinois in 2017.
Bailey previously served in the North Clay Board of Education. Representative District 109 includes Clay, Edwards, Jasper, Rchland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties. The representative district also includes portions of Effingham and Lawrence counties.
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