Hundreds protest abortion with chain

Adults and children holding anti-abortion signs flooded the sidewalks along Ogden Avenue in Naperville Sunday afternoon.

Abortion opponents throughout the nation turned out for the annual Life Chain event, which took place in more than 1,000 places throughout the country and in various spots throughout DuPage County.

Here, more than 100 residents came out from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. They silently held signs and stood 25 feet apart, starting near the intersection of Washington Street, to form a chain.

The opening of a Planned Parenthood clinic this month in Aurora brought additional interest in this year's annual efforts, organizers say.

"I've been inspired to get more involved since the opening in Aurora," said Christine Dawson. "I think it's a very bad thing to have in our community."

JoAnne Mehon of Naperville, who helped organize the local event, said this year residents were encouraged to protest outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora.

"We might have lost a few people to that," she said.

Jennifer Kolar, her husband, Mike, and their 2-year-old son, Daniel, were among many who stood out in the heat for an hour.

Her hope was that at least one person would change their mind.

"Every life is a gift," Kolar said.