On Sunday, October 1, over 80 pro-lifers gathered in the vacant lot across the street from Planned Parenthood’s Aurora, Illinois mega-center, which opened ten years ago to the day.
The Pro-Life Action League has been fighting Planned Parenthood in Aurora since before they opened their doors a decade ago. The epic battle that ensued led Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards to call Aurora “Ground Zero” in the abortion battle.
The vigil began with League executive director Eric Scheidler recounting the days before Planned Parenthood opened and the League held a 52 day, 24 hour prayer vigil, the thousands who came out to pray and protest, and the unity that was built between Christians of all denominations that continues in Aurora to this day.
Reflections were given from Fr. Thomas Milota and pastors Jeff Moore and Randy Schoof, all of whom were important witnesses for life in the 2007 battle to keep Planned Parenthood out of Aurora. Sidewalk counselors Karen Nickels and Barb Donnellan also shared about successes they’ve had offering help and support to women outside Planned Parenthood.
State Representative Peter Breen, who has been at the helm of many of the League’s lawsuits against Planned Parenthood, shared his memories of those early days at Planned Parenthood which reignited his law career. He also assured the crowd that their representatives in Springfield would continue to fight the newly signed HB40, a bill that would fund abortion through state health programs.
After some prayers and songs, the faithful dispersed with a new dedication to the cause of prayer, protest, and sidewalk counseling presence the League has built in Aurora and we will continue that fight until Planned Parenthood closes in Aurora once and for all.
