Illinois Gov Pritzker gets pushback over move to 'expand and expand and expand' on abortion

A member of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration says Medicaid plays a critical role for reproductive health services in Illinois.

The governor joined abortion advocacy groups in Chicago Wednesday to announce a new fund connecting donor support with organizations protecting and expanding reproductive health access.

“We have witnessed an all-out assault on abortion and gender-affirming care, led by the Trump administration and carried out in too many states across the country,” Pritzker said.

The governor announced the launch of the Prairie State Access Fund, a new initiative of Michael Reese Health Trust to strengthen reproductive and sexual health care access in Illinois.

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Lizzy Whitehorn spoke after Pritzker.

“Medicaid plays a critical role in supporting access to a wide range of reproductive health services for Illinoisans. Medicaid covers more than three million Illinois residents, which is close to a quarter of our state’s population,” Whitehorn said.

Whitehorn said nearly a quarter of the almost 155,000 people who left their home states for abortion services in 2024 came to Illinois.

State Rep. Norine Hammond, R-Moline, said Illinois should not use any Medicaid dollars to provide abortions.

“It’s another example where the governor has been using Medicaid funds for illegals for their health care, including abortions,” Hammond told The Center Square.

According to the Illinois Comptroller’s office, fiscal year 2025 spending on Medicaid expenses for state residents totaled $35.9 billion.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is the primary administrator of the state’s Medicaid spending.

Hammond said she was not surprised by the governor’s move but said Illinois already has lax abortion laws and accessibility at every corner.

“Rather than provide relief in other areas, why are we putting relief into this?” Hammond asked.

Hammond said it is unconscionable that Illinois continues to “expand and expand and expand” on abortion.

Pritzker’s announcement came five days after Vice President J.D. Vance spoke at the National March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Vance said life is a gift.

“We know babies are precious because we know them and we love them and we see the way that they can transform our families,” Vance said.