Commonwealth Policy Center

Last week, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that limits the free speech of pregnancy care centers. Pritzker argued that the faith-based centers are “politically motivated, non-medical actors” promoting misinformation. As a result, centers can be fined up to $50,000 for encouraging pro-life options to inform mothers about alternatives to abortion or emergency contraception. The question is, how do we get to a place in our culture where faith-based ministries are targeted by law? It’s no secret that Pritzker is not pro-life. And his worldview is hostile to the pro-life position. But Pritzker isn’t the final authority. The U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom and free speech, which the newly enacted law clearly violates.