More than 80 U.S. representatives are calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate whether taxpayer money is being misused on abortions in Illinois.
Under the federal Hyde Amendment, Medicaid can fund abortions only in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk.
In 2006, the government paid for 196 such abortions across the U.S. In 2007, the number jumped to 458.
In 2006, Illinois reported 84 federally funded abortions in cases of rape. That number jumped to 363 in 2007.
Members of Congress requested an explanation from HHS in June. A second letter, dated Sept. 26, reads: "We find this dramatic increase surprising, especially since corollary increases do not appear in any other state. Please provide detailed information regarding this increase."
The letter requests a response by Oct. 26.
