SPRINGFIELD — A local state lawmaker is creating a stir with a piece of legislation he recently filed in Springfield that says if there is no father to sign the document, the state will not issue that child a birth certificate.

Rep. John Cavaletto (Source: ILGA)
Rep. John Cavaletto
(Source: ILGA)

State Rep. John Cavaletto, a Salem Republican, has made headlines across the country with his proposed measure that would deny birth certificates to children of certain single mothers

Filed earlier this month and cosponsored by fellow Republican Keith Wheeler, of Aurora, the measure would strip single mothers and their children of financial aid. The draft law makes no exception for victims of rape or incest who decide to not have abortions and do not know or name the father, but it does exclude in-vitro mothers.

The measure says that absent DNA evidence or the name of a family member who will claim financial responsibility for the child, a birth certificate will not be issued and the mother will be ineligible for financial aid from the State for support of the child.

Without a birth certificate the child would also be ineligible to be registered for public schools or universities, getting a passport or a driver’s license, unable to apply for a Social Security number — and unable to vote.

Cavaletto filed his measure, House Bill 6064, on February 11 and Wheeler added his name on February 17 as a co-sponsor. However, on Friday, February 26, Wheeler removed his name and Cavaletto tabled the proposal.