Update Out of Aurora

The Prayer Vigil has already hit 40 days, and continues down in Aurora. The Planned Parenthood, which would have been the largest abortion center in the country and was scheduled to open this week, remains closed. Here is an update from ABC News:

By TARA BURGHART
Sept. 20, 2007

A federal judge Thursday refused to order Aurora officials to let Planned Parenthood open a clinic where abortions would be performed while authorities investigate whether the organization broke any laws when it applied for building permits.

U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle rejected Planned Parenthood's request for a preliminary injunction, which would have allowed the suburban clinic to open as early as Friday.

He said Planned Parenthood needed to provide more proof that Aurora officials are treating the clinic differently than it has similar businesses engaged in permit or zoning debates. That's something the organization's attorneys could do in future filings, the judge said.

"By no means is this case over. By no means," Norgle said.

The 22,000-square-foot, $7.5 million building in Aurora, about 35 miles west of Chicago, stands finished but empty. It was supposed to open this past Tuesday, but Aurora officials would not provide the necessary occupancy permits.

The chapter that will run the facility -- Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area -- applied for various local permits under the name of a subsidiary called Gemini Office Development.

Planned Parenthood officials and attorneys say that decision was made to protect the clinic's staff and construction workers from the types of protests happening outside the clinic now.

City of Aurora attorney Lance Malina argued to Norgle that the city has a right to investigate whether local laws were followed during the permit process, and to make sure the city was not defrauded.

The city of Aurora commissioned an outside review last month, but two attorneys were let go over potential conflicts of interest. The city is now awaiting an investigation and advice from the Kane County state's attorney.

Christopher Wilson, representing Planned Parenthood, said if the medical facility was a place where dentists or dermatologists were going to work, Aurora officials would not be holding such an in-depth review.

He said the clinic is being targeted for extra scrutiny because abortions will be performed there.