Woman Accused of Attacking Pro-Life Advocate Outside Illinois Abortion Clinic

Police in Rockford, Illinois said a woman is charged with assaulting a pro-life activist who was holding a demonstration outside of a recently built abortion facility on Tuesday.

According to a report by WTVO, 26-year-old Nataly Rivera allegedly tossed a cup of coffee at a man outside RFD Family Planning and tried to knock the phone out of his hand. Officers claimed that when they arrived at the clinic at 10:10 a.m., they saw that a car had reportedly pulled up next to the pro-life protesters, and Rivera had apparently gotten out to question the guy about why he was demonstrating.

The Rockford Family Initiative claimed on its Facebook page that Rivera yelled, “There are too many children!” as she tossed her coffee at the man after he informed her that he was protesting abortion. According to the story, Rivera was later detained by police at her house and is now being charged with violence.

The group said that its members were apparently praying in front of the clinic, which is said to be situated in the heart of a residential area. The post by the group says:

Already on opening day, this abortion facility is bringing violence to this residential neighborhood. This act will not deter us from our mission of witnessing for the unborn and offering help to their mothers. In fact, this hateful act just inspires us to love more. Any violators of our peaceful witness will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Dr. Dennis Christensen, the owner of the abortion facility, told WIFR that he would “rather be doing medical stuff than political stuff — it’s been an amazing road.” 50,000 people had been “personally treated” by Christensen, he continued.

Kevin Rilott, president of the Rockford Family Initiative, told the publication that “it’s regrettable that a pro-lifer was attacked.”