The Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora, Illinois, has become ground zero in the fight for women's access to reproductive health care. Aurora is a fast-growing city outside Chicago where Planned Parenthood just built a large clinic. And 10 days ago, the usual suspects in the anti-choice fringe showed up in droves — and by droves, I mean more people are protesting this clinic than we've seen for a long time.
Illinois needs Planned Parenthood's services — Illinois ranks 46th in the availability of contraceptive services and supplies. But despite the obvious need for high-quality health care and overwhelming support from the community, the center has been besieged by vocal anti-choice hardliners. The Aurora area is home to some of the most radical anti-abortion extremists including Joe Scheidler, founder of the Pro-Life Action League. Scheidler made his name in 1980’s when he called for the "year of pain and fear" for reproductive health care providers and patients. And on August 25, hundreds of anti-choice extremists picketed near the site of the clinic as part of a "40-day prayer vigil" to protest the opening.
To be honest, it's going to take all of our efforts to open this clinic. We need to open this clinic with more warmth, more strength, and more solidarity with supporters than ever before. What's happening in Aurora isn't just some isolated incident. What's happening in Aurora today is what's happening in America. It's not a war on a clinic — it's a war on women's access to needed health care — in Aurora, and across our country.
We won’t back down — too much is at stake for women and their families. But we need your help. You can let these protesters know that you stand with Planned Parenthood by signing up to tie a ribbon in your name outside the clinic. And if you want to do more, you can donate to help ensure that Planned Parenthood’s doors stay open.
If you live in Illinois, you can do even more to help us on the ground. Sign up to volunteer locally and pick up a sign to post in your yard. The signs say "This family supports Planned Parenthood." Here's where you can pick up your sign:
Aurora Planned Parenthood Health Center
3051 E. New York Ave., Aurora, IL
(at the corner of New York Ave. and Oakhurst St.)
Monday thru Thurs.: 12 pm to 2 pm & 5 pm to 7 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 pm to 2 pm