Illinois judge grants break for pro-life clinics

Illinois judge grants break for pro-life clinics

ROCKFORD, Ill. — In response to a new state law forcing health providers to refer or inform pregnant women to abortion clinics, an Illinois judge has granted a group of pro-life clinics a break.

Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Doherty ruled Dec. 20, 2016, that the clinics “have raised a fair question as to whether their right to be free from government compelled speech is violated,” according to The Christian Post.

The Alliance Defending Freedom filed the lawsuit on behalf of the clinics after Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the new law in July 2016 that would require pro-life doctors and clinics to violate their convictions about abortion. The law took effect Jan. 1. The preliminary injunction applies only to the clinics included in the lawsuit. (TAB)