The Illinois legislature has sent the governor legislation amending the state law that decides when doctors can object to caring for a patient based on moral principle.
Illinois' conscience law says health care workers can turn down patients who want reproductive care like birth control medication and abortions -- if it goes against their moral beliefs. But a proposal that passed both chambers would demand patients get a referral to someone who does.
Critics of the legislation say it's wrong to force medical providers who object to abortions to help women get one, by giving them information on providers.
Senator Chapin Rose, a Republican from Mahomet, says the government shouldn't force medical providers to do something they find morally objectionable.
"It's up to the individual to exercise their right of conscience in however they see it," Rose said.
Lawmakers who support the legislation say patients have the right to be well-informed and to receive the best medical care.