Rauner Signs Bill Permitting Medicaid To Cover Abortion

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor Bruce Rauner surprised some constituents and lawmakers Thursday when he signed a bill that will permit state health insurance and Medicaid to cover abortions. The bill also abolishes the "trigger law" that would have made abortion illegal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade were overturned.

For some time, Rauner, who says he is pro-choice, indicated that he would veto the bill, then he refused to clarify his stance until the bill arrived at his desk. This was seen by many as a power play against Democrats who had held the bill since May as they waited for Rauner to flip sides.

Speculation was also raised that Rauner was hesitant to state whether he would veto because the polarizing bill could alienate a large faction of voters on either side of the aisle. The governor's signature is likely to induce the ire of many pro-life voters whom Rauner was hoping to win over in the 2018 election.

Senator Don Harmon D-Oak Park called the law, which takes effect immediately, "a victory for women's reproductive rights." Harmon also called it a victory for Illinoisans who "have written, called and marched to demand that the governor live up to his responsibility to the women of our state. Their activism has ensured that women will continue to have access to safe, affordable reproductive healthcare.”