Dartmouth Times

Dartmouth alum Anne Stava Murray (D-Ill.) has proposed a new bill in the Illinois State House to expand the definition of "abused child" to minors whose parents do not desire "gender affirming care" for their child. Laurie Higgins, writer for Jeanne Ives’ Breakthrough Ideas criticized the proposed bill for eroding parents’ rights and religious beliefs, and threatening the safety of minors. 

Higgins referred to Illinois House Bill 4876 which would amend the “Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act” to consider a child whose guardian or person of authority restricts their access to abortion services or “gender affirming care” as an “abused child” under the legal definition. 

“The bill’s sponsor, Naperville resident Representative Anne Stava-Murray, has also sponsored virtually every bill aimed at harming children and eroding parental rights since she was first elected in 2019,” Higgins writes. 

"Stava-Murray—a Dartmouth alumna—provides yet more evidence of the worthlessness of the Ivy League in cultivating character."

The “Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act” also includes a list of mandated reporters, who would be legally required to report violations of the bill if they were made aware of such situations. These mandated reporters include teachers, principals, or school administration, doctors, nurses, or medical personnel, law enforcement officers, foster parents, counselors or therapists, and all members of the clergy. 

“If passed, thousands of Americans, including priests, pastors, rabbis, and imams, in violation of their own religious convictions will be compelled by law to report parents who do not consent to facilitating feticide and perverse medical efforts to violate the bodily integrity of minor children,” Higgins said. “The evil cabal in Springfield will not rest until they’ve destroyed religious rights, parental rights, and children.”