Illinois Senate approves bill to expand abortion rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (FOX 32/AP) - The Illinois Senate has approved a bill to replace the state's abortion law with less restrictive language that gives people "a fundamental right" to make decisions about their reproductive health.

A vote of 34-20 Friday night after an emotional debate sends the measure to Gov. Pritzker, who was on the Senate floor hugging and congratulating its supporters. He has pledged to sign it.

After at least a half-dozen Republican-controlled states have adopted steep restrictions on abortion, Illinois appears to be answering with legislation to provide statutory protections for the procedure.

The House initially adopted the legislation which rescinds prohibitions on some late-term abortions and 45-year-old restrictions such as criminal charges against doctors who perform abortions, none of which has been enforced because of court orders.