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# Illinois Funding Abortions? Closer Look at Controversial "Bill 40"
- URL: https://ivn.us/illinois-house-bill-40-test-governors-coalition/
- Published: 2017-08-21T19:37:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-22T19:59:17.000Z
- Author: Carl Wicklander
- Tags: News

With Illinois remaining in political and budgetary gridlock, the governor may soon face challenges from within his own party.

Governor Bruce Rauner, a Republican elected in 2014, may sign Illinois House Bill 40\. If passed, it would provide state funding for abortions [through](https://abortion.ws/2017/08/13/handmaids-protesters-silently-urge-rauner-to-sign-abortion-rights-bill/?ref=ivn.us) Medicaid and state health insurance programs. The bill also contains a provision to prevent the decriminalization of abortion in Illinois if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

The governor this spring indicated he would veto the bill. However, Rauner was [noncommittal](http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/08/rauner-confirms-his-support-for-abortion-at-state-fair.html?ref=ivn.us) at last week’s Illinois State Fair about whether he will sign the bill. Rauner [routinely](http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/rauner-on-vetting-of-new-hires-were-not-perfect/?ref=ivn.us) [declares](http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/08/rauner-confirms-his-support-for-abortion-at-state-fair.html?ref=ivn.us) that he supports "women’s reproductive rights."

Rauner similarly angered Republican activists a year ago on another law regarding abortion. He signed a bill requiring medical professionals opposed to abortion to provide information and referrals for patients still seeking one. Consequently, a judge [blocked](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-abortion-speech-scotus-0814-md-20170811-story.html?ref=ivn.us) enforcement of the law.

Recent [attention](http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/first-lady-diana-rauners-emails-focus-on-madigan-messaging-media/?ref=ivn.us) has focused on his wife’s position and influence within the administration. A Freedom of Information Act request revealed Diana Rauner’s involvement in speeches and political strategy.

Both Governor and First Lady Rauner contributed generously to groups such as Planned Parenthood, [before](http://www.pjstar.com/article/20140928/News/140929167?ref=ivn.us) and [after](http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/05/bruce-rauner-abortion-illinois-238057?ref=ivn.us) he assumed office in 2015\. The Rauners’ continuous support for groups associated with abortion rights has long [concerned](https://realgopillinois.com/2017/08/16/rauner-quadruple-wifes-state-grants-5-million/?ref=ivn.us) pro-life [segments](http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2015/08/will-bruce-rauners-support-for-planned-parenthood-remain-unequivocal.html?ref=ivn.us) of the party.

Terri Koyne, a former Republican Party county chairperson, said a Rauner signature to House Bill 40 might be enough for his party support to collapse. She [explained](http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/08/rauner-confirms-his-support-for-abortion-at-state-fair.html?ref=ivn.us):

> "If he signs or allows this bill to become law and you are a social conservative, this should be enough to say that you can no longer support him. . . . If you are a fiscal conservative, this should be enough to say that you can no longer support him."

Rauner won in a [crowded](https://ivn.us/2014/03/10/republicans-eye-vulnerable-governor-illinois/) primary field in 2014\. He could become vulnerable should enough anti-Rauner sentiment coalesce around a single primary challenger. William J. Kelly, a television producer, is the only other declared [candidate](http://www.journal-republican.com/news/politics-and-government/2017-03-30/rauner-comments-prompt-kelly-run-governor.html?ref=ivn.us) in next year’s GOP gubernatorial primary.

Much of Rauner’s tenure has been marked by a budget impasse between the Republican governor and Democratic-controlled legislature. A legislative [override](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-rauner-wins-illinois-tax-increase-zorn-perspec-0709-md-20170707-column.html?ref=ivn.us) of Rauner’s veto last month formally ended the stand-off. Yet battles over school [funding](https://www.illinoispolicy.org/moodys-warns-delay-of-state-funding-for-illinois-schools-a-credit-negative/?ref=ivn.us) may still instigate a downgrading of Illinois’ credit rating.

Combined with these other challenges, Rauner's decision on Illinois House Bill 40 may prove pivotal to his political future in 2018.