ROCKFORD (AP) – The operators of a northern Illinois abortion clinic that’s been closed since September because of health and safety violations have decided to close the facility permanently.
The Northern Illinois Women’s Center in Rockford will not reopen, even after working out an agreement with state regulators.
Melaney Arnold of the Illinois Department of Public Health says the agency hasn’t been officially notified by the operators. They had previously agreed to surrender the clinic’s license and pay a reduced fine of $1,000 if they decided to close permanently.
The Rockford Register Star reports the clinic was having trouble hiring new staff.
Anti-abortion groups had promised to continue picketing if the clinic reopened. Kevin Rilott of the Rockford Pro-Life Initiative calls the closure “a blessing.”