Illinois Official Appeals Ruling in Conscience Shield Challenge

A top Illinois official is appealing a ruling in a case challenging a state law that puts conditions on professionals’ use of conscience-based defenses for refusing to participate in abortions.

Mario Treto Jr., head of the state’s Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, filed a notice of cross-appeal Thursday in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Iain D. Johnston issued a split decision April 4 partially holding the provision unconstitutional.

An anti-abortion doctor and local crisis pregnancy centers sued the state in 2017 to invalidate a two-part provision added to Illinois’ conscience law the previous ...