SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — An Illinois Senate Republican has filed a bill to abolish abortion in the state.
Sen. Neil Anderson's plan would define preborn children at any stage of biological development as people. It also states that anyone choosing to have an abortion could face the same charges as someone killing a person.
That means women or birthing people could be charged with homicide and even be sued by the father or partner if they did not support the abortion.
The Andalusia Republican has also filed a bill to reinstate the death penalty for first-degree murder.
"We are outlawing abortion," Anderson said. "There's nobody up here that wants to put women in jail. That's nowhere in the bill. Gender is not listed in this bill. We're asking for equal protection under the law for our unborn neighbors."
Both bills are highly unlikely to be assigned to a Senate committee due to the Democratic supermajority. Anderson was also forced to resign from Senate Republican leadership after his own caucus told him not to file the proposals.
"I'm called to do God's will and stand for justice, nothing more and nothing less," Anderson said. "I'm going to pick up my cross every day and follow."
The Democratic Party of Illinois condemned Anderson's legislation Tuesday afternoon. Spokesperson Leah Hurwitz said a top Republican state senator introduced legislation that could criminalize abortion and put women at risk of the death penalty.
"Every Republican running for office in Illinois now faces a simple question: Will they condemn this extremism or will they embrace it? Everyone from Darren Bailey to Minority Leader Tony McCombie and Don Tracy owe voters an immediate answer," Hurwitz said.
Bailey is urging Anderson to pull his bill, as women and families need understanding, support and real help instead of threats of jail time.Â
"Criminalizing women in these situations doesn't solve problems, it deepens hurt and pushes people away from the alternatives and support that could help them," Bailey said. "I am pro-life, but I believe we also have to face reality. Approaches like this pull people away and make it harder to move Illinois forward."Â
Top Stories:
Illinois Senate GOP leaders hope Pritzker presents spending cuts, no new taxes for FY27 budget
Say hello to Decatur's new baseball club: the Bean Ballers
Inspired by Olympians, local skaters hit the ice
3-year-old among 2 critically hurt in Decatur house fire
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
