Aurora, Illinois Pro-Life Advocates Expected at Massive Abortion Center Protest
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
April 25, 2008
Aurora, IL (LifeNews.com) — Hundreds of pro-life people are expected to turn out this weekend at the first major pro-life protest of 2008 at the new Planned Parenthood abortion center. The abortion business was the subject of controversy in 2007 because it used a fictitious name to deceive local officials about the nature of its new construction.
The opening of the facility, scheduled for mid-September, was delayed for two and a half weeks while investigations were conducted into the deceptive process Planned Parenthood used to obtain its building and zoning permits.
The protests began last August have continued strong on a monthly basis throughout the winter with as many as 200 pro-life advocates showing up even when temperatures dipped below freezing.
Though local courts ruled against pro-life residents of the community, they’ve taken their case to higher courts in an attempt to hold Planned Parenthood and local officials accountable.
Eric Scheidler, of the Pro-Life Action League and an Aurora resident, says local pro-life people will remain steadfast in opposing the new abortion business.
"Whether it takes eight months, 12 months or 12 years, we will be at this facility until abortions are no longer performed and this deceitful business is out of our city. We will be a peaceful, ever-present reminder of the atrocities that go on inside those walls," he said.
"Our counselors have seen a dozen or more women turn away from abortion after speaking with them outside this Planned Parenthood," continued Scheidler. "The women and children in Aurora are what is most important to us and we will not sit by and let Planned Parenthood hurt any more people in our community."
Scheidler says pro-life advocates there have had problems with local officials about the protests.
They originally filed a lawsuit alleging violation of protestors’ First Amendment rights.
Despite Aurora’s willingness to settle the lawsuit alleging free speech violations, Scheidler said protesters are still having issues with local police.
"Despite the difficulties we’ve had with the city, we will stay our course," Scheidler said.
In addition to hundreds of picketers, the rally will feature a "prayer walk" and a "baby shower" for people to donate gifts benefiting local pregnancy centers.
