The Danville clinic now needs additional repairs and requires security guards to ensure no other vandalism occurs
An independent abortion clinic in Danville, Illinois, continues to face acts of vandalism and destruction, further delaying its opening and causing distress among those seeking reproductive healthcare. Just weeks after a 73-year-old man plowed his car into the clinic, another vandal has torn down the temporary repairs, exacerbating the already challenging situation faced by the facility.
The initial attack occurred at the end of May when the 73-year-old man repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the clinic's walls, causing significant damage to the front lobby and the back of the building. Fortunately, authorities apprehended the man before he could carry out any further harm or set the building ablaze. The attacker said that if he was freed he'd "finish the job," and burn the clinic to the ground.
The clinic faced yet another act of aggression on Monday when a different vandal targeted the under-construction facility. This assailant tore down the temporary repairs made to the back wall, and there are concerns that they may have attempted to gain access to the building. The clinic now faces the arduous task of rebuilding destroyed walls and the lobby, fortifying the entire structure, and hiring security guards to protect against further attacks.
LaDonna Prince, the property owner of the Danville clinic, characterized the initial assault as the work of an "anti-abortion terrorist." She said that the subsequent attack has caused a new wave of panic and fear among the clinic staff and supporters. Prince believes these acts of violence are aimed at intimidating and terrorizing the clinic, attempting to discourage them from providing abortion care.
These relentless acts of vandalism come at a time when Illinois, known as a rare abortion haven in the Midwest, is experiencing a surge in out-of-state individuals seeking abortions. Since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Illinois has seen a 28% increase in abortions between April and August 2022, making it the second-highest increase in any state.
Providers in Illinois have reported a significant rise in out-of-state patients, with one-third of the individuals seeking care coming from neighboring states. This influx of patients further underscores the importance of having accessible and secure reproductive healthcare facilities in the region.
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