Springfield Catholic Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is banning Illinois Catholic lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, from taking Communion if they promoted or voted for legislation that expands abortion access...

Legislation has legalized taxpayer funding for abortion and required private insurance to pay for abortion. House Speaker Madigan released a statement. “The Reproductive Health Act is a recognition that women across Illinois deserve access to health care without intrusion from government. I was notified by Bishop Paprocki that if I permitted the House of Representatives to debate and pass the Reproductive Health Act, I would no longer be allowed to accept the sacrament of communion. After much deliberation and reflection, I made the decision to allow debate and a vote on the legislation