Rockford’s Federal Judge Iain Johnston, who grew up in Bull Valley and graduated from Marian Central High School, has given abortion opponents a First Amendment victory.
Crisis pregnancy centers were represented by the Thomas More Society.
“The Court concludes that Public Act 99-690 Section 6.1(1), in exchange for a liability shield, compels speech, requiring a discussion about the risks and benefits of childbirth and abortion. That compelled discussion violates the First Amendment,” Johnston wrote.
He did rule, however, that crisis pregnancy centers must, if a patient asks, to either refer or transfer patients, or give written information about which other providers may offer services that they “can’t provide because of a conscience-based objection.”
I’m waiting for More’s press release.
