By Chris Spoons
STAFF WRITER

Special “vanity” license plates are being urged for Illinoisans to help mothers in crisis pregnancies choose adoption over abortion.

So far, more than 3,000 Illinois residents are supporting the design of a new “choose life” license plate which would have to be issued through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. The idea for the plate, which originated in Florida, would cost an extra $25 a year, with the extra money raised earmarked for agencies that encourage adoption.

“In less than two years, the ‘Choose Life’ plates have become one of the top ten selling specialty plates in Florida, raising more than $1 million towards encouraging adoption as an option to unplanned or crisis pregnancies,” said Jim Finnegan, who is spearheading the campaign to bring the plates to Illinois.

“I had always thought if we can get prospective adoptive parents together with the mothers who knew they wouldn’t go forward with a pregnancy if they had to keep the child, I knew things could work out,” Finnegan said. “Then I learned that’s what the plates are all about.”

Finnegan said a bill being considered in the Illinois Senate would permit sales of the specialty plate. In Florida, said Finnegan, “All pregnancy-related expenses are paid for from the funds raised through the sale of the plates—from doctor visits to clothing to the delivery of the child.” He said the only stipulation is “that the mother agrees to place the child for adoption at the time of her delivery.”

Finnegan believes the proposal should appeal to people on all sides of the abortion issue. “No matter how we feel about abortion, no money goes into trying to overturn Roe v. Wade. All money goes into adoption.”

Finnegan says adoption agencies, crisis pregnancy centers and homes for unwed mothers that do not provide or refer women for abortions would be eligible to receive funds raised through the sale of the plates, provided that they do not charge the woman for services.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Finnegan said. “The ‘Choose Life’ plates provide mothers in crisis situations the means to choose life for themselves, for the baby, and for the adoptive family.”

Finnegan is hoping to collect as many signatures as possible to show support for the proposed plate. Several parishes plan to have petitions available to sign on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 6.



For more information, contact Finnegan at (847) 526-1152.