SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expanding his support for abortion rights across the country by introducing a political organization. This organization will fund similar efforts outside of Illinois, which is a state that legalized abortion even before the Supreme Court invalidated the right to undergo the procedure.
Think Big America, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, has already provided funding for constitutional amendments in Ohio, Arizona, and Nevada that support abortion access. Currently, there are 14 states that ban abortion, and the debate on this issue is ongoing since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 to overturn the 50-year-old Roe v. Wade opinion, which legalized abortion.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has a long history of support for reproductive rights, stated, “Think Big America is dedicated to ensuring the fundamental right of reproductive choice for individuals everywhere – regardless of their state of residence, religion, race, or socioeconomic status.”
Think Big America is considered a dark money organization since it is not required by federal law to disclose its donors. The group’s spokesperson, Natalie Edelstein, confirmed that the only donor so far is Gov. Pritzker, and his contribution has been substantial enough to cover the initial contributions to the campaigns in other states.
The three-person board directing operations for Think Big America includes Desiree Rogers, former White House social secretary under President Barack Obama, Chicago state Rep. Margaret Croke, and Chicago Alderwoman Michelle Harris.
Abortion access is a significant issue for Gov. Pritzker, who has signed legislation to strengthen abortion protections in Illinois. These safeguards allow patients from other states to come to Illinois to have abortions where it may be prohibited or restricted in their home states.
With his vocal support for abortion rights and his involvement in national politics, there is speculation that Governor Pritzker may have presidential ambitions. Despite this, he has repeatedly stated that he is focused on being governor and that his campaign will combat right-wing extremism on all fronts, not just abortion.
“There has never been a more critical time for everyone to get off the sidelines and into the fight,” said Desiree Rogers. She added, “I am ready to work to ensure the rights and freedoms we enjoy in Illinois can be a reality for everyone.”
