Viral goose egg case fuels debate over abortion

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A viral incident involving a suburban Chicago woman accused of taking protected goose eggs is drawing sharp reactions—not only about wildlife enforcement, but also broader cultural and political debates.

According to ABC7 Chicago, Illinois Department of Natural Resources police filed charges after video showed a woman allegedly removing Canada goose eggs from a nest near Golf Mill Mall in Niles, which is illegal under state law. The unusual case quickly went viral and has since drawn commentary from advocacy groups over broader societal priorities.

David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, said he was surprised by the level of attention the case received.

“It’s kind of surprising that the news decided to pick up this story and highlight this person who collected some goose eggs as if they’re on the FBI’s most wanted list,” Smith told The Center Square.

Smith noted that while Canada geese are protected under state regulations, they are not endangered and are widespread across Illinois. He argued the enforcement focus contrasts with other policy debates, particularly surrounding abortion.

“There’s millions of these geese. In fact, they’re kind of overwhelming in some places,” he said. “It’s just weird how far our culture wants to go to protect the Canadian geese. If they want to protect an endangered species, they should look at what’s happening with the birth rate in the United States—it’s plummeting.”

U.S. birth rates have been declining for nearly two decades, with about 3.6 million births recorded in 2025 – a roughly 23% drop since 2007. The fertility rate now sits near historic lows at about 1.6 births per woman, reflecting a sustained downward trend with only brief periods of stabilization.

Smith also criticized so-called “bubble zone” ordinances – local laws that restrict how close individuals can get to people entering abortion clinics. Such measures, enacted in cities including Chicago, are intended to prevent harassment and ensure access to abortion facilities.

“Obviously, nobody would condone harassing or physically accosting somebody,” Smith said. “They have a sign out in front—you cannot approach a woman if she’s going into the clinic,” he said. “You’re not supposed to be able to do sidewalk counseling or preaching.”

Smith argued such laws restrict speech.

“This [sidewalk preaching] is just speech – saying, ‘Hey, let me talk to you about your choices,’” he said.

Supporters of bubble zone laws maintain they are designed to protect patient safety and privacy while balancing First Amendment rights.