Pro-lifers are pleased that a notorious abortion clinic in Illinois will remain closed for the rest of the year, but they are hoping to uncover evidence that will ensure it stays closed for good.
The Northern Illinois Women's Center in Rockford, which was shut down in late September by the state public health department (see earlier story), will now have its doors closed until January 4, thanks to an extension granted by an administrative law judge. Peter Breen, executive director for the Thomas More Society, says the pro-lifers he represents were concerned about a premature opening of the clinic since it did not meet a number of health standards when it was inspected for the first time in 14 years.
"All three operating rooms failed to ensure a sanitary environment," Breen details. "The surgical instruments, which are actually inserted into the human body, were shown to not necessarily be sterile. The machine that was supposed to sterilize those instruments failed when it was tested, and it should have been tested every week; it wasn't tested for four months."
Though he is pleased with the latest development, Breen hopes for even better news come the formal public hearing on January 4.
"We may see the evidence sufficient that day -- and we think it's out there -- to ensure a permanent clinic closing," he says.
That, the attorney concludes, would make Northwestern Illinois abortion-free for the first time since Roe vs. Wade.
Contact: Bill Bumpas
Source: OneNewsNow
