(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A state law that would allow Illinoisans to sue Crisis Pregnancy Centers — which are normally associated with anti-abortion organizations — remains on hold following a state judge’s ruling in August. On the latest episode of “At Issue,” though, a Chicago anti-abortion leader predicted the law would be wiped from the books.
The measure, approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, would allow the centers to be held liable for fraud. They are accused of confusing and misleading women seeking abortions by setting themselves up near actual abortion clinics.
Eric Scheidler, the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, denied those accusations.
“These centers do not present themselves as abortion facilities,” he said. “They’re all completely up front about the services they provide, which are vast and oftentimes more services than a Planned Parenthood will provide. They’re there to offer parenting classes [and] support on how to take care of your baby.”
An official with Planned Parenthood said, in some cases, the anti-abortion advocates pretend to be with the clinics or use aggressive tactics. Scheidler denied that, too, and said the lack of any proof of such things is why the judge sided with them in August.
“Pro-Life Action League filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the state asking for any such complaints against those pregnancy centers,” Scheidler said. “They came up with absolutely nothing, and that was one of the reasons that Judge [Iain] Johnston ruled in our favor.”
Rockford Judge Iain Johnston granted only a preliminary injunction, so that's not expected to be the end of the case.
Scheidler also said he's prepared to fight a downtown Chicago alderman's efforts to silence demonstrators outside of a West Loop abortion clinic.
Ald. Bill Conway (34th) proposed a quiet zone around the Family Planning Associates clinic on West Washington Boulevard — similar to those around some hospitals. He said demonstrations outside the clinic have gotten out of hand, loud and intimidating. As a result, Conway has said they’re disruptive to the health care.
Scheidler said the protesters are exercising free speech.
“If someone’s there to say, ‘Hey, are you making the right decision? Maybe you should think of something else,’ that may seem intimidating,” he said. “The situation is intimidating. The experience is chilling.”
The alderman said some protesters have set up loudspeakers and have blasted sound at the clinic walls. Although Scheidler didn’t endorse the tactic, he did defend it.
“I don’t use a loudspeaker outside an abortion clinic myself,” he said. “If someone brings a piece of amplification because things have gotten so loud, or there’s highway traffic that’s hard to talk over, that may be within their rights, too. We already have the noise ordinances.”
Conway wants the noise ordinances enforced, as well.
This episode of "At Issue" was Part One of a two-part series. This weekend and next, "At Issue" will present both sides in a debate over abortion. Listen live at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. each Sunday for the full episode.
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