Those pesky extremists are at it again.

Planned Parenthood of the Chicago Area (PP/CA) plans to open the doors of its shiny new health center in Aurora, Illinois this month. This is fantastic news, since so many women are members of the uninsured club, and rely on Planned Parenthood for essential reproductive health care.

Of course, the creepy anti-choicers aren't so pleased. The Chicago area is home to some of the most extreme weirdos of the pro-life movement. Take Joe Scheidler, who founded the Pro-Life Action League (PLAL) back in 1980. He's been referred to as "the Green Beret of the pro-life movement" by Pat Buchanan, and has said, "You can try for 50 years to do it the nice way, or you can do it next week the nasty way."

The Scheidler family and PLAL are currently staging a "40 Days for Life" vigil outside the new clinic. Basically, they're asking their supporters to keep a presence 24/7 for 40 days. It's supposed to be a peaceful protest, with lots of praying. Participants are also encouraged to fast for the 40 days - because apparently, that's how one gets God's attention.

If starving really gets God's attention, I don't think people in Ethiopia would be so skinny.

In addition, Scheidler's son, Eric, has said in reference to the vigil, "We're going to destroy their building peacefully but aggressively."

Makes me feel all warm inside.

On a more hopeful note, Planned Parenthood is asking supporters to sign this petition and have a ribbon donated to the clinic in your name. It only takes a few seconds, and it shows your support for the women of Aurora.