NW Illinois News

Illinois State Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) thinks Democrats crossed the line in the simmering abortion debate long before Rep. Diane Pappas (D-Itasca) is reported to have invoked the idea of castration as a viable solution.

“It’s out of touch and outside the mainstream pro-life, pro-choice debate,” Chesney told NW Illinois News. “The Democratic Party in Illinois has pushed the narrative in this conversation far beyond the debate, and I think [Pappas' comment is] representative of their extreme position.”

Pappas is alleged to have made her castration remarks during a meeting attended by Wayne Township Republican trustee Jackie Hayden in which the issue of abortion and House Bill 2495 were broached. Known as the Reproductive Health Act, HB 2495 would make Illinois home to the most unrestricted abortion access in the country.

State Rep. Andrew Chesney

“You know, ladies, with technology the way it is, we wouldn't have an abortion problem if we applied a plan,” Pappas said, according to Hayden in a recounting of the meeting posted to the Wayne County Republican Organization website. “Now, I've been told it's a bit radical, but if we allowed men to be castrated, took the sperm to the bank, collected tax dollars on it for storage, then when it's time, to have the man decide he's ready to begin a family ... well, then the problem is solved."

Pappas is reported to have made similar comments in another meeting held with a different group.

“Again, it’s a view that’s extremely out of touch, just like the Democrats’ position on the issue of allowing nine-month abortions and doing away with parental notifications,” Chesney added. “I think we all need to understand that we need to preserve and protect life and get back to doing the kinds of things for the economy that will make this state work again.”

Pappas’ 45th District covers all or parts of Bartlett, Hanover Park, West Chicago, Wayne, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Itasca, Roselle, Wood Dale, Medinah and Addison.