Illinois Republican senator pushes to outlaw abortion, loses leadership spots

Republican leaders call the proposal "extreme" and say it is a no-go.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Republican Sen. Neil Anderson of Illinois introduced a fetal personhood bill that would define a fertilized human egg as a legal "person" and grant it constitutional protections, effectively outlawing abortion in the state. The bill faced backlash from Republican leadership, who removed Anderson from his leadership positions in the state Senate. Anderson said he is unwilling to compromise on the issue, while Republican leaders called the proposal "extreme" and said it does not have support within the party.

Why it matters

This bill represents the latest effort by some Republican-led states to further restrict abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Fetal personhood laws like this one have become increasingly common, though they often face legal challenges and opposition even from within the Republican party.

The details

Anderson's bill would open the door to first-degree murder charges for abortions, with only exceptions for accidental deaths during life-saving procedures on a pregnant woman and miscarriage. It does not exempt cases of rape, incest, or in vitro fertilization. Anderson said the "important part" is the "deterrence" of outlawing abortion, though Republican leaders have called it an "extreme" and "anti-woman" proposal.

  • On February 5, 2026, Anderson introduced the fetal personhood bill.
  • On February 14, 2026, Senate Republican Leader John Curran removed Anderson as minority spokesperson on the Senate executive and assignments committees, though he remains a member on the Executive Committee.

The players

Neil Anderson

A Republican state senator in Illinois who introduced a fetal personhood bill to outlaw abortion in the state.

John Curran

The Senate Republican Leader in Illinois who removed Anderson from his leadership positions due to the controversial bill.

Darren Bailey

A Republican candidate running for governor of Illinois who has served in the state House and Senate, and who called for Anderson to pull the fetal personhood bill.

Jeff Durbin

An Arizona pastor who describes himself as an abortion "abolitionist" and runs an organization called End Abortion Now, which promotes bills like the one Anderson introduced.

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What they’re saying

“The important part of this bill is deterrence. We are outlawing abortion. There's nobody up here that wants to put women in jail.”

— Neil Anderson, State Senator (abc7chicago.com)

“I don't support his proposal, no other Republican legislator supports his proposal, House or Senate. It's an extreme proposal. I do not view it as a pro-life proposal, I view it as an anti-woman proposal about punishment.”

— John Curran, Senate Republican Leader (abc7chicago.com)

“When women and families are facing a crisis, they need understanding, support, and real help, not the threat of jail time. I am pro-life, but I believe we also have to face reality. Approaches like this pull people away and make it harder to move Illinois forward.”

— Darren Bailey, Republican Candidate for Governor (abc7chicago.com)

“It is time for the Christian church to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Word of God in this issue to once and for all, like the abolitionists in the past, to say: 'No more'.”

— Jeff Durbin, Abortion "Abolitionist" and Pastor (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.