Repercussions continue to come into Danville concerning the vote to restrict the mailing and delivery of abortion-inducing drugs and paraphernalia. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday released a statement against the action approved by half the city council and Mayor Rickey Williams. The Governor said, "Illinois respects a woman's right to choose in every corner of this state, and the passage of this illegal ordinance will not change that. When I signed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019, it codified protections for reproductive healthcare into state law. That law explicitly prohibits local governments from passing ordinances or legislation restricting abortion rights.” The Governor added “I will fight for the women of Danville and the surrounding area to ensure they have access to the healthcare they need, and that this ordinance never takes effect."
Robin Kelly, who represents Danville in Congress, addressed the issue at a rally Thursday outside of the Danville Library. She told the group of about 75 people that she will fight the ordinance. She said at this point it has not taken effect and the ordinance has no weight.
She said Danville has limited amount of women's health care options now, and an ordinance like this could keep additional professionals from coming to the area
Kelly says there are some federal efforts in Congress to support reproductive rights
The rally was developed by the newly formed group Vermilion County Pride Coalition.
The Illinois Pharmacists Association is the first agency to act against the measure. The organization filed a formal complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. It said the local ordinance has a direct impact on the delivery of patient care and practice of pharmacy. The complaint said the measure is in clear violation of Illinois law.
The anti-abortion effort developed when a Women’s Health Care clinic announced plans to open in the former Dillman Eye Center on Logan Street. The city council split 7-7 on the issue. The deciding yes vote was cast by Mayor Rickey Williams. The proposal will not take effect until a declaratory judgement is made by a judge.
