This was my first time sidewalk counseling since the settlement was reached between the City of Aurora and the Pro-Life Action League in regard to the sidewalk counseling that takes place at Planned Parenthood in Aurora, IL. I would recommend reading the Pro-Life Action League blog for all of the important details of the agreement. With the agreement, sidewalk counselors are now permitted to cross the tar line in the “middle” of the road (see the picture below – it wasn’t even halfway into the road, really). We usually stand on the north side of the road (left side of picture) and project our voices across the access road into the parking lot.
Reaching women outside of Planned Parenthood, Aurora, IL
So, this morning, there were two of us sidewalk counseling. For most of the morning, we remained on the north side of the tar line. About thirty minutes or so before leaving for the day, I decided that I would cross the tar line – there is something freeing about being able to step to the other side of street which, until just recently, everyone else was allowed to use except for us. So, I did cross the tar line a couple of times this morning, and it was clear that every time I stepped across the line, the Planned Parenthood escort did not like it. I wasn’t intentionally trying to make her nervous, I just continued speaking to the women going into the clinic. At one point, the escort hurriedly ran inside. Not to my surprise, a few minutes later, someone that worked in Planned Parenthood emerged to let me know that I needed to remain on the north side of the street. I kindly replied, “the agreement allows us on this side of the street now” to which she replied “well, just stay off of our property.” I was never on their actual property, and I never intend to be on their property. That was that. No police. No drama. Just sidewalk counselors offering hope and help to abortion-minded women – now from both sides of the tar line!