HB 6205, the Reproductive Health and Access Act, passed out of the Human Services Committee of the House today and could be voted upon as early as next week in the Illinois House. Although the bill was amended in the Human Services Committee, there are some major problems with the legislation.

1) Abortion is made into a "fundamental right" for a woman, meaning there can be no interference with receiving an abortion or contraception. In other words, there is a right to an abortion, a right to contraception, and a right to state funding for both (including contraception for boys).

2) This will overturn the Ban on Medicaid Funding of Abortion, requiring taxpayers who have religious and conscientious objections to abortion to pay for abortion with state dollars. In 1978, the last year before the passage of the Ban on Medicaid Funding of Abortion, the state paid for 12,738 abortions. Within two years after the passage of the bill, the number of abortions paid for by the state dropped to 22 abortions. Even though a judge required that "health" of the woman be added to the legislation, the number of abortions paid for by Illinois taxpayers hovers between 200-300 abortions, not 10,000-20,000 abortions.

3) Comprehensive sex education which conforms to the human rights act (sexual orientation) will be required for all public schools. This means that homosexuality must be taught as being as valid as heterosexuality to all public school students. Although the bill states the information must be "age-appropriate", mentioning what is considered age-appropriate for 5 year-olds would make one blush.

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With a tremendous outcry last year, citizens of Illinois helped to defeat HB 2354, the Reproductive Health and Access Act, better known to us as the FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act). On the last day to file legislation, Rep. Barbara Currie (D) introduced HB 6205, The Reproductive Health and Access Act. Although the Act is structured differently than HB 2354, it does essentially the same things as HB 2354.HB 6205, as introduced by Rep. Barbara Currie (D), creates a "fundamental right of privacy with respect to reproductive decisions." This means that there is a right to abortion, contraception, and state funding of both at any age (even for boys getting contraception).

Most of the following information is from an analysis of the legislation by pro-life lobbyist Ralph Rivera.

Because abortion would be considered a fundamental right, there can be NO "interference" with obtaining an abortion or contraceptives at any age, by any political division or subdivision of the state (by any government agency or part of the government). If there is a "violation," the individual can sue for civil action, and the state, county, or other subdivision will have to pay uncertain, but large amounts of attorneys' fees, court costs, etc.

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If you would like non-partisan voter guides that meet the guidelines of the IRS for your church to distribute for the February 2, 2010 primary, please contact our office at 847-526-7339, and we will work with you to make sure you have what you need. A number of churches have already contacted us--but if you have not, please do so.

During the last election cycle, we distrituted tens of thousands of voter guides in districts across the state. Rev. Vanden Bosch, the Director of Concerned Christian Ministries and Concerned Christian Americans, is also the President of One Nation, Under God, a 501 (c)(3) organization that is dedicated educating the churches and voters about the issues and the positions of candidates on the issues. These voter guides do not endorse any specific candidates, but only give information on their positions.

We would encourage you to contact us regarding this. The voter guides will be going to the press in the next couple of weeks, so some idea of where we need to distribute them and the amount needed would be greatly appreciated. You can also send an email requesting voter guides to revbobvb@sbcglobal.net .

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Early voting will begin on January 11 and go through January 28. You can go to the specified polling places and vote early without needing a reason. Just make certain that you bring your drivers license or a state ID with you.

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Would you please consider a year-end donation to Concerned Christian Ministries via credit card on our website or by sending a check?

Concerned Christian Ministries is a 501 (c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS (so you qualify for a tax write-off). I realize that your main reason for giving is not to have the tax write-off, but to support the work we are doing in educating the Christian community on the affairs of our state and country, and appreciate such a spirit.

Concerned Christian ministries pays for our publications, mailings of newsletters, and helps cover expenses that arise when traveling to churches to preach and teach. Last year, I spent about 110 eight hour days (average speed according the computer is around 40 mph) driving, and spoke over 100 times in 60 different churches. This is a ministry to the body of Christ, and needs your support to continue to be effective.

If you would like to send a check, you can make it out and send it to:

Concerned Christian Ministries

P.O. Box 351

Wauconda, IL 60084-0351

If you would consider a year-end donation to help meet the expenses that arise, it would be appreciated. If you would like credit for a donation by check for 2009, please get it in the mail early enough so it is postmarked December 31. Thank you for your consideration and your prayers.

Wishing you a blessed New Year!

Rev. Bob

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!!

Christmas 2009

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Call Your Members of Congress and ask them to vote NO on Healthcare

PELOSI: Buy a $15,000 Policy or Go to Jail

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Hello Pastor,

Two weeks ago, you should have received a packet from One Nation, Under God, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, encouraging you to consider having a Voter Registration Sunday (Patriot Sunday) at your church. The Pastors' Letter in the packet is below.

I would like to encourage you to serously consider helping to make sure more of our Christian brothers and sisters are registered to vote! I have personally helped a number of our churches do voter registration Sundays. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me on my cell at 847-738-7339 or my office at 847-526-7339.

Thank you, Rev. Bob Vanden Bosch Dear Pastor, Life and the Family are under attack in Springfield and in Washington. This year, legislators at the State Capitol introduced legislation to make abortion-on-demand the law in Illinois and the law would negate the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Lawand greatly expand taxpayer funding of abortions. Additionally, legislators introduced a civil union – same sex marriage” bill in a continuing effort to have same-sex marriages in Illinois. Both have failed so far, but proponents vow to continue to push these bills as they work to get more votes!

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Please Contact Your U.S. Representative Now!

(Information from the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries)

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require all Americans to purchase government approved health insurance. Your sharing through Samaritan Ministries (or other medical need sharing ministries such as Medishare) will not be considered adequate to meet the bill’s requirements in its current form.

A vote is planned for this week on H.R. 3962 – The Affordable Health Care for America Act. Despite all of our efforts to date, H.R. 3962 does not provide any exemption for the members of health care sharing ministries.

It is important to cry out to God for protection from this violation of our religious freedom and to contact your U.S. Representative now, appealing for protection.

• Ask your Representative to protect health care sharing ministries.
• Ask your Representative to insist on amending H.R. 3962 – The Affordable Health Care for America Act with language similar to that in S. 1796, the bill from the Senate Finance Committee that provides such an exemption.
• Ask your Representative to vote against H.R. 3962 unless an exemption for health care sharing ministries is provided

For best results call your Representative’s district office that is closest to you, so he will know that you are from his district. You can find your Representative's contact information here.

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