Vol. 71/No. 34      September 17, 2007

The Aurora facility, which is scheduled to open September 18, would be Planned Parenthood’s largest full-service health center in the country.

Thirty-five abortion rights supporters picketed an August 16 meeting that drew about 300 opponents of a women’s right to choose. The meeting was organized by the Pro-Life Action League and the American Life League. The American Life League is campaigning to shut down Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide.

Passing cars honked in support of the pro-choice pickets, who held signs like “Keep abortion legal” and “Keep choice yours.”

“Planned Parenthood should be terrified,” said Eric Scheidler, communications director for Pro-Life Action League. “We are going to destroy their building peacefully but aggressively.” His group has been holding daily 24-hour prayer vigils outside the new clinic site.

On August 25, more than a thousand opponents of abortion rights marched near the new clinic carrying graphic signs. Scheidler said his group will also apply for permits to picket outside the homes of clinic workers.

Across the street dozens of abortion rights supporters held a counterdemonstration. A favorite chant on the line was, “Hey hey, what have you got to say, women’s rights have got to stay!”

Many picketers said the clinic was badly needed. In order to get an abortion now, many women here have to travel about 40 miles to a clinic in Chicago.

A women’s clinic here that provided abortions shut down after being evicted in October. Most hospitals and clinics in the area don’t provide abortions.

“They come here to harass women,” said Bonnie Grabenhofer, president of Illinois NOW. “The clinic will open,” she said. “We’re glad … abortion will be accessible and safe.”
 
 
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