Jeff Keicher has joined a growing list of Republicans angry over Gov. Bruce Rauner's decision to sign a bill that will now force Illinois taxpayers to cover the cost of abortions.
Keicher is running in the 70th District to replace Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Hinckley), who is retiring. The district covers portions of DeKalb, Boone and Kane counties.
“Every life is precious," Keicher wrote in a Facebook Post. "I along with many families in the 70th District are deeply disappointed in Governor Rauner's action on HB 40. He broke his word and will use our tax dollars to pay for abortions at will.”
Jeff Keicher
While Illinois previously covered abortions only in cases of rape, incest, and threats to the health or life of the mother, Medicaid and state insurance will now cover all abortions for any reason until the last day of pregnancy.
HB40 is also meant to guarantee that Illinoisans can continue to receive abortions even if the high court's Roe v. Wade ruling is overturned, according to the Pass HB 40 website.
Rauner, who had vowed during his gubernatorial campaign to keep social issues off the table, has argued that he has been a longtime supporter of abortion rights, according to the Chicago Tribune.
“I also believe that no woman should be forced to make a different decision than another woman would make purely based on her income,” Rauner said.
Alerts Sign-up