Abortion opponents protest at Aurora clinic

A young couple pulled their white car into the parking lot of Aurora's Planned Parenthood clinic Friday morning as nearly 200 abortion protesters followed the Stations of the Cross across the street.

The couple never left their vehicle. Instead they pulled back out of the clinic lot and took literature from Margo Cupps, a self-described sidewalk counselor who directed them to the nearby Waterleaf Womens Center.

After the couple drove away, a tearful Cupps was hugged by several of her companions. For Cupps, it truly was a Good Friday.

"They said they felt the power of our prayer and decided to keep their baby," said Cupps, who lives down the street from the facility. "It's a tremendous feeling of happiness any time a little one is saved."

Cupps and members of the Pro-Life Action League and Fox Valley Families Against Planned Parenthood have gathered almost daily to protest and pray since the clinic received approval in July 2007 to open on East New York Street on the city's far east side.

Good Friday traditionally attracts larger-than-usual groups of protesters at the site. This Friday, however, was the first large gathering since abortion opponents came to a settlement agreement with the city late last month that set guidelines for organized protests.

Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, said he was pleased with Friday's peaceful turnout but disappointed one of the agreed-upon provisions wasn't met: street signs on Oakhurst Avenue prohibiting protest activity remained.

City Deputy Chief of Staff Carie Anne Ergo said Friday afternoon that city officials intended to have the signs down as early as the end of the day.

"Aside from that, we've prayed, our counselors have been interacting with women and we've saved some children today," Scheidler said. "This was a powerful day."

Beth Kanter, Planned Parenthood senior vice president of external affairs, said Friday's protests were peaceful.

The clinic offers numerous health services, including abortions.

"We certainly recognize their right to peacefully protest out there. Our biggest concern is for our patients, employees and volunteers," Kanter said. "Inside the facility, we are committed to providing only the highest quality patient care in the reproductive health spectrum to the women, men and teens who seek us out."