Volunteers pray outside the Planned Parenthood building Aug. 14 [Photo by EJS]
On August 9, 2007, the Pro-Life Action League and activists throughout the western suburbs of Chicago launched a 40-Day Prayer Vigil to stop the opening of a new Planned Parenthood abortuary, scheduled to start doing business September 18 in Aurora, Illinois.
Planned Parenthood Sneaks In
“Planned Parenthood snuck into town,” remarked League Communication Director Eric Scheidler, who lives in Aurora. “They were nearly finished building this place before we learned about it. We haven’t got much time to stop them, but we’re doing all we can.”
The building at 3051 E. New York Street (map)—dubbed the “Abortion Fortress” because of its high brick walls, bulletproof glass and numerous security cameras—was built under the name “Gemini Medical Office.” Not even the City of Aurora, nor many of the contractors working on it, knew what it really was: a Planned Parenthood abortuary.
Vigil Garners Overwhelming Response
Pro-lifers—many of whom have never done anything active in the movement before—have been praying around the clock at the site since 8 a.m. Thursday morning, August 9. Churches of all denominations from throughout the Chicago area are taking part, with many assuming responsibility for filling the slots for an entire day of the Vigil.
Vigil Day 3: Aug. 11 [Photo by EJS]
“This is the most powerful grassroots pro-life effort I’ve ever seen,” remarked Scheidler. “We can scarcely keep track of the prayer pledges coming in. The people of Aurora and their neighbors in nearby towns do not want an abortion clinic here. Period.”
But Scheidler emphasized that there are still many hours to be covered during the vigil. He has set up a website for the local ad hoc group, Families Against Planned Parenthood, with information on the campaign and online sign-up.
Community Meeting and Picket Planned
A community meeting on the fight against Planned Parenthood in Aurora will take place Thursday, August 16 at 7 p.m. at the Prisco Center at 150 W. Illinois Ave. in Aurora (map). Concerned citizens are invited to learn about the danger of Planned Parenthood and what they can do to protect their families.
Planned Parenthood expert Jim Sedlak of STOPP International will explain the Planned Parenthood threat and exactly what we can do to keep them away from our kids. The League’s Joe Scheidler will offer words of encouragement, and noted pro-life attorney Denise Mackura will address the legal angle.
A massive pro-life demonstration is planned at the Planned Parenthood location for Saturday, August 25 from 9-11 a.m.
More information on the fight against Planned Parenthood in Aurora, Illinois is available at Families Against Planned Parenthood.
The new Planned Parenthood building in Aurora, IL has been dubbed the “Abortion Fortress” [Photo by EJS]
