According to the latest state rankings from Americans United for Life (AUL), Illinois ranks near the bottom — but not among the worst ten — for the way we deal with a comprehensive list of life issues, from abortion to euthanasia.  Illinois now ranks as the 34th most pro-life state in the nation — a step up from our 2011 ranking of 35th in the nation.

One 2011 pro-life victory saw Governor Patrick Quinn signing the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act late last year.  This law closes a loophole in the extensive list of persons required to report child abuse or neglect.  For example, some employees at abortion clinics — including administrative personnel — are not currently included in the list of those required by law to report suspicion of sexual abuse of minors.  This law will close that critical loophole, and went into effect on January 1, 2012.

Pro-life measures continue to be introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, improving the state’s chance to move forward in the rankings by this time next year. A pro-life coalition is working together with the hopes of passing two important bills:

• Abortion Clinic Safety Regulations (HB 4117), introduced by State Rep. Darlene Senger (R-Naperville), would require abortion clinics that perform more than 50 abortions a year to meet basic safety regulations of other similar outpatient treatment centers. Read IFI’s position paper HERE.

• Ultrasound Opportunity Act (HB 4085), introduced by State Rep. Joe Lyons (D-Chicago), would require abortion providers to simply offer an ultrasound picture to women considering abortion.  The choice of whether or not to view the ultrasound picture is still hers. Research has proven that between 70 and 90 percent of “abortion minded” women who see images of their unborn children choose life.  Read IFI’s position paper HERE.

Click HERE to view the state rankings from Americans United for Life.