Thomas More Society Represents Rockford Family Initiative at December 20 Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Rockford residents want to stop a notorious abortionist from returning to their neighborhood. Thomas More Society attorneys and local residents will challenge the attempt by Dennis Christensen to open an abortion clinic as a “home business” in a residential neighborhood before the Rockford Zoning Board of Appeals tonight, December 20, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. Based in Wisconsin since his previous Rockford abortion facility closed following a suspended license due to a slew of safety and sanitation violations, Christensen seeks to again set up shop selling abortions in Rockford.

Thomas More Society Vice President and Senior Counsel Peter Breen noted that the proposed abortion clinic would violate the Rockford zoning ordinance and do grave harm to the community.

“An abortion clinic in the middle of a residential neighborhood would be a problem under any circumstances,” explained Breen, “But it is especially egregious in this situation. This abortionist has already been run out of town previously, having had his facility shut down over ten years ago by the Illinois Department of Health, because of the risks he posed to the safety and health of area women. The residents of Rockford didn’t want him practicing in their town then and they down want him selling abortions in their neighborhood now.”

Breen remarked that because abortion is now illegal in Wisconsin, Christensen is leaving the state to take advantage of Illinois’ extreme abortion policies.

“Christensen aims to again put Rockford women at risk with his documented unsafe, unsanitary, and potentially deadly abortion business, against the wishes of area residents,” Breen added.

Breen pointed out that even without taking Christensen’s notorious track record and the illegality of the use into account, locating an abortion facility in a residential area poses significant harms to the community.

“Abortion clinics are known for bringing disturbances, loud protests and counterprotests, as well as decreases in nearby property values and significant traffic impacts,” Breen said. “Opening such a facility in a residential area not zoned for commercial use would significantly impede residents’ ability to live quiet, peaceful lives. The proposed use for this property should be independently reviewed because of its unique characteristics, traffic impacts, and effects on the surrounding community.”

After the December 20 Zoning Board meeting, the action moves on to the Code & Regulation Committee meeting on January 9, 2023. That meeting is open to the public but will not allow public comment. The third and final meeting in this process is the City Council, tentative scheduled to follow the Committee meeting on January 9.

Read the Complaint filed on November 17, 2022 with the Zoning Board of Appeals, City of Rockford, Illinois, by Thomas More Society attorneys in Rockford Family Initiative, et al. v. Scott Capovilla, Rockford, Illinois Zoning Officer, here.