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Victory Against Planned Parenthood in Illinois Appellate Court

Planned Parenthood's Aurora mega-center

Planned Parenthood’s Aurora, Illinois mega-center [Photo by Matt Yonke]

The Pro-Life Action League is pleased to report a victory in our ongoing zoning lawsuit against Planned Parenthood of Illinois over their Aurora, Illinois mega-center that opened in 2007 under a cloud of controversy and deceit.

When the facility opened, Planned Parenthood openly acknowledged that they had tried to keep the facility’s true identity from the public through the use of front companies that managed the permitting and construction of the facility without Planned Parenthood’s name appearing on any documentation.

Our attorneys at the Thomas More Society quickly deduced that they had not only deceived the public, but also lied to city officials about the purpose of the building, and built the facility in a district whose zoning specifically prohibits the operation of a non-profit healthcare facility, which Planned Parenthood clearly is.

The suit has been through an array of venues and judges since it was first filed in 2007, and was finally dismissed in state court in August of 2013. However, we appealed this ruling to the Illinois 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. They heard the case in April and yesterday handed down their ruling, reversing the lower court’s dismissal of the case and providing a new chance to prove that Planned Parenthood is operating their “abortion fortress” illegally.

Peter Breen, special counsel for the Thomas More Society had this to say:

Planned Parenthood built its abortion facility in Aurora under false pretenses and in blatant violation of the strictures of Aurora’s zoning code, which require a tax-paying for-profit use on that site.

This facility was built on a foundation of deception, and the appellate court’s ruling reaffirms that Planned Parenthood must obey Aurora’s zoning laws, just like any other resident of Aurora. We look forward to returning to the circuit court and continuing to prosecute this lawsuit aggressively.

We’re hopeful that this new development will lead to the closure of this facility so long prayed for by the residents of Aurora. Please keep the case in your prayers as well.

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