Ministers voice support for new clinic

September 12, 2007 (AURORA, Ill.) (WLS) -- There's new support for a controversial plan to open a Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora. A group of ministers came out in support of the clinic Wednesday.

It comes amid strong opposition to the new clinic and the city of Aurora's decision Tuesday to delay the clinic's opening.

The city of Aurora assigned an attorney to review the process in which the project was developed. Until that review is complete, a certificate of occupancy will not be issued, meaning the facility cannot open.

In the meantime, the project continues to draw criticism and support.

The construction of the new Planned Parenthood facility is just about complete. The facility would offered a range of health services for women, regardless of their ability to pay.

But the service that draws the most attention is abortion. In recent days, volunteers have taken turns praying and protesting the opening, from outside the facility.

"I really pray this place doesn't open because I don't think people realize just the impact it's going to have," said protester Kim Mundt.

In Chicago Wednesday morning, a group of ministers voiced support for the facility and the organization's mission.

"Each year, Planned Parenthood provides tens of thousands of women and families in this region with services they need and deserve to make the choices they need to make," said Rev. Randall Doubet-King.

The Aurora City Council approved the construction of a medical facility proposed by Gemini Development last year. But some questioned if the arrangement for Planned Parenthood to move into the facility was kept from city council illegally.

"Planned Parenthood knew they weren't welcomed in Aurora and lied their way into town and lied on the applications under Gemini, lied about not knowing their tenant," said Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life action League.

On Wednesday night, city council members discussed the newly initiated investigation of the process and took three hours of public comment on the proposed facility from people who both opposed and supported the project.

The spokeswoman for the city of Aurora said it's not unusual for a project to be proposed under the developer's name. The president of area's Planned Parenthood, Steve Trombley, said the review will show that the process was legal and the center will open.

"Everything we did was legal with a matter of public record," he said. "The relationship between our limited-liability company and Planned Parenthood was published in the newspaper and talked about in public hearings. This is a political move on the part of our opponents to prevent this from opening."

Planned Parenthood was scheduled to open on September 18. The organization said it already has appointments scheduled. But in light of the delay, they are exploring their options.

The city's spokeswoman said the attorney reviewing the project will let them know by the end of the week how long his review will take.

The bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Joliet led a pro-life mass Wednesday night to protest the opening of the clinic. Bishop Peter Sartain led the prayers for what he calls the victims of abortion.

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