Life Advocates Fight Stealth Illinois Abortion Clinic

"Around-the-clock protest and prayer aim to keep Planned Parenthood out; lawsuit possible."

Planned Parenthood tried to sneak its largest clinic in the country into Aurora, Ill., but residents are having none of it.Last month, neighbors of the "Gemini Health Clinic" were shocked to learn the $7.5 million facility will actually be used for abortions. On Saturday, more than 1,200 pro-lifers gathered near the building to express their outrage. Some marched with signs, while others prayed or handed out leaflets in the surrounding neighborhoods.A 24-hour, 40-day prayer vigil began Aug. 9 and organizers say it will continue until the scheduled opening Sept. 18.Ann Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, said court is next.On Friday, the Thomas More Law Center requested a temporary restraining order on behalf of the Pro-Life Action League and Fox Valley Families Against Planned Parenthood. The move was prompted by Aurora police officers' actions concerning restrictions on where pro-lifers could protest and how they could display signs. Scheidler said every officer has a different interpretation. And on Tuesday, life advocates plan to pack the Aurora City Council meeting, calling for action."We're not sure what the city can do," Scheidler said, adding that they would seek hearings on the "way Planned Parenthood got its permits for that building."She's referring to how the purpose of the building was kept secret. Planning started in 2002, and construction began in November 2006. According to minutes from the Nov. 16, 2006, Planning & Development Committee meeting, the "large medical office building" was not being built for a specific client. "We're in negotiations with a tenant," said an unidentified man. Later, Alderman Lynda Elmore said neighbors should be "very happy" that an office was being built instead of a commercial business."These usually are pretty quiet, because they usually function in the daytime and that makes it nice," Elmore said to the unnamed man. "I'd be interested to know who your client is, when you can release that."A signage application dated March 22, 2007, states the tenant was still unknown.In July, a construction worker became suspicious of the bulletproof glass, excess cameras and the dozen-plus recovery rooms.Pro-life Aurora Alderman Richard Irvin isn't buying it. "All the while, they are building it to spec, for this type of clinic," he said. "Of course, they knew what this was going to be for."Irvin, who was not on the council when the building was approved, marched in protest Saturday. He is suggesting public hearings as part of an investigation. He said no one in government knew an abortion clinic was moving in.
"No one, whether pro-life or pro-choice, had the opportunity to voice their opinion, from the very beginning," he said.Steve Trombley, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area, told the Chicago Tribune recently: "Frankly, I'm surprised we were able to keep it a secret for so long."
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005351.cfm

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