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Abortionist Dennis Christensen screenshot from "Lake of Fire" documentary clip |
Until the Dobbs v. Jackson decision last year, Christensen operated an
abortion clinic in Wisconsin. The Dobbs decision overturned
Roe v. Wade, allowing states to create and enforce abortion laws
through the democratic process. This allowed Wisconsin to enforce its 1849 law
banning abortion, which prompted Christensen to return to Illinois.
Thomas More Society Vice President and Senior Counsel Peter Breen argued that
the proposed business violates Rockford zoning ordinance and will do grave
harm to the community.
“An abortion clinic in the middle of a residential neighborhood would be a
problem under any circumstances,”
explained Breen, “But it is especially egregious in this situation. This abortionist has
already been run out of town previously, having had his facility shut down
over ten years ago by the Illinois Department of Health, because of the risks
he posed to the safety and health of area women. The residents of Rockford
didn’t want him practicing in their town then and they down want him selling
abortions in their neighborhood now.”
“Abortion clinics are known for bringing disturbances, loud protests and
counterprotests, as well as decreases in nearby property values and
significant traffic impacts,” Breen added. “Opening such a facility in a
residential area not zoned for commercial use would significantly impede
residents’ ability to live quiet, peaceful lives. The proposed use for this
property should be independently reviewed because of its unique
characteristics, traffic impacts, and effects on the surrounding community.”
Breen's prediction came true on Dec 27, the day that the clinic opened for
business. Pro-life protestors stood on the sidewalk nearby holding signs
when a pro-abortion woman exited her vehicle to approach the protestors and
physically attack them.
Authorities later arrested the woman
at her home on charges of battery.
The Rockford Zoning Board of Appeals ruled that the Thomas More Society and
the residents who filed complaints had no legal standing to challenge their
zoning determination. The board unanimously came to this conclusion on the
basis that they did not live close enough to the clinic to be affected by
its presence.
The board also unanimously voted that the building could be used as an
abortion business under a 40-year-old special permit allowing a home medical
office there.
Christensen's "home business" at 611 Auburn St in Rockford offers
abortion pills. He is working with pro-abortion activists to open a surgical
abortion clinic at 4236 Maray Drive in Rockford.
