Christmas Caroling at Abortion Clinics Was a Tremendous Success

State   |   Eric Scheidler   |   Jan 3, 2014   |   5:30PM   |   Washington, DC

Dozens of pro-life activists took part in the Pro-Life Action League’s 11th annual “Empty Manger” Christmas Caroling Day on Saturday, December 21 at nine local abortion facilities, five in Chicago and four in west suburban DuPage County.

The DuPage County tour started off with a surprise: We arrived at ACU Health Center in Hinsdale, Illinois and discovered that they had recently changed their schedule and were no longer performing abortions on Saturdays!

It was wonderful to sing for joy that no children would be killed there that day, and our witness to the community was strong with many friendly honks and waves from passersby. Some even slowed as they passed to listen to our carols.

The next stop was outside of the Aanchor “Health Center” in Glen Ellyn, followed by Access Health Center in Downers Grove, where we were met by some members of a local Knights of Columbus council who had graciously brought hot chocolate for the carolers!

Also at Access, the tour was joined by one of our longtime friends, Father Thomas Loya, pastor of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in nearby Homer Glen. Father Tom brought along several members of his parish’s youth group who held icons of Saint Michael and the Nativity of the Lord as we caroled. Before we left, the group shared a Byzantine Christmas hymn which they sang in beautiful harmony, making for a lovely addition to the Tour.

The DuPage caroling tour wrapped up with a great crowd outside Planned Parenthood’s mega-center in Aurora.

Pro-Lifers of All Ages Join Caroling in Chicago

The Chicago caroling tour began as it has every year since its inception: with the unfurling of a 10-foot banner saying, “All I want for Christmas is an end to abortion.”

At the tour’s first two sites—Family Planning Associates and Planned Parenthood, both in downtown Chicago—carolers ranging in age from seven to 86 sang standards such as Away in a Manger, The First Noel, O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night.

The third site of the day was All Women’s Health Center, run by abortionist Mandy Gittler—who was responsible for the death of 24-year old Tonya Reaves in July 2012.

From there, it was on to American Women’s Medical Center, where we were met by a group of abortion supporters who tried—unsuccessfully—to disrupt our caroling by loudly chanting “Anti-woman, anti-gay, right-wing bigots, go away!” Considering that over half of our number were women, the “anti-woman” part was definitely the oddest.

The last stop was Albany Medical/Surgical Center, where a crowd of 30 carolers gathered on the sidewalk. The Illinois Choice Action Team had a contingent of “pro-choice escorts” at Albany that day, and one of them positioned herself directly in the midst of our carolers, such that she blocked the path of any passersby. Considering how often the escorts at Albany have called the police on pro-lifers for something as trivial as supposedly obstructing the sidewalk, the irony was not lost on us.

After singing “Silent Night,” the group caravaned to Joe and Ann Scheidler’s home, where hot chocolate and homemade cookies were enjoyed by all.

Want to See More Photos?

  • View a Flickr set of photos from both the Chicago and DuPage County caroling tours here

LifeNews.com Note: Eric Scheidler is the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League and the son of the famous pro-life activist Joe Scheidler. He has led efforts against Planned Parenthood’s new abortion business in Aurora, Illinois.