Battle over Rockford abortion services heads to court with lawsuit from clinic neighbors

Rockford Register Star
·2 min read
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Neighbors of the city's new abortion clinic at 611 Auburn St. have filed a lawsuit in Winnebago County Court claiming the clinic is improperly zoned and that the clinic's operation is negatively impacting the neighborhood.

Who filed the lawsuit?

The lawsuit, filed Jan. 30, lists the plaintiffs as Shawn Rylatt, Lisa Rylatt, Janet Savaiano and Amie Lotzer. According to the suit, all four individuals live with 1,200 feet of the new Rockford Family Planning Center, which opened Jan. 6.

Who are the defendants?

The listed defendants are Dr. Dennis Christensen, Rockford Family Planning Center, City of Rockford and the Rockford Zoning Board of Appeals.

What does the lawsuit claim?

The suit says the Rockford Zoning Board of Appeals "abdicated their solemn duty to enforce the City of Rockford Zoning Ordinance" by allowing a medical clinic to operate as a home business and allowing the clinic's operator to live elsewhere.

The lawsuit also claims that the controversial nature of the business has caused disruption to the neighborhood, attracting protesters, traffic and noise.

ZBA meeting:Rockford abortion clinic to open in coming weeks after meeting city's zoning requirements

What do the plaintiff's want?

Those filing the lawsuit are seeking judicial review of the ZBA's decision, and the city's application of the Rockford Zoning Ordinance. They're also asking that the court shut down the clinic and cover the cost of the lawsuit and plaintiff's counsel.

What is the Rockford Family Planning Center?

The facility offers pregnancy dating and confirmation, pregnancy counseling, first-trimester abortion medication, referrals for a second trimester surgical abortion and referrals for prenatal care if desired, according to its website at rfd-familyplanning.com. Medication-induced abortions cost about $475.

How long has it been since abortion services were available in Rockford?

The Northern Illinois Women's Center on Broadway closed in 2012, and abortion services have not been available in the Rockford since then.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Battle over Rockford abortion services heads to court