CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after a draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked:

“A woman’s right to choose is just that – a fundamental right that should not be stripped due to antiquated politics or an attempt to disregard the progress we’ve made in the area of human rights. In reading the decision, it is clear that other fundamental rights in this country are in jeopardy so silence in this moment is not an option. Each of us, regardless of your feelings on reproductive rights, should be concerned. This type of activism by judges, to push a culture war driven agenda, should be concerning for us all.”

“Should this long settled law be overturned, women in Illinois can take solace in knowing that Illinois respects their right to choose and that this fundamental right still hold value. As always, I hope other states are looking to Illinois for leadership in this fight for protecting a woman’s right to choose.”