Chicago City Wire

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago saw a clash over reproductive rights as Planned Parenthood’s mobile truck offered free chemical abortions and vasectomies outside the United Center.

The truck’s presence drew sharp criticism from pro-life advocates, who viewed it as a stark symbol of what they see as an aggressive pro-abortion agenda by the left.

Jaclyn Cornell, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life, called the initiative “unspeakably evil.” 

Jaclyn Cornell, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life | LinkedIn / Jaclyn Cornell

“Watching Planned Parenthood roll into the DNC with mobile access to killing innocent pre-born babies this week is a blatant disrespect for life,” Cornell told Chicago City Wire. “Obviously, Illinois Right to Life is not supportive of anything that they are doing there.” 

Cornell described the Harris/Walz ticket as “arguably the most aggressively pro-abortion platform in the history of the United States,” saying the nominees support “zero limits on abortion” and seek taxpayer funding to support their policies.

In an effort to counteract the message of Planned Parenthood, EveryLife, a pro-life organization based in West Palm Beach, Florida, has partnered with Sidewalk Advocates for Life and ThriVe Nation to distribute free diapers to pregnant women who choose to forgo abortion services. The group was present at the DNC doing just that.  

Cornell praised the initiative and shared about the direct support efforts by her organization. 

“One of our biggest projects is Project Love, where we give back to women by providing grants to those facing unplanned pregnancies,” Cornell said about the project, which provides grants to women in need at over 100 pregnancy centers in Illinois. 

She said they're currently helping a woman who owes $4000 in back rent, underscoring the importance of direct support. 

Cornell also addressed the broader implications of recent shifts in abortion access following the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

“People coming here in border states have resulted in a substantial increase in abortion in Illinois,” she said. “What’s gone on is those abortions have been redirected to states that allow it to occur. It’s literally the abortion capital of the Midwest.” 

Cornell expressed frustration over the challenges of promoting alternative options to women seeking abortions in Illinois.   

“The goal of Planned Parenthood is to make money,” she said. “They provide resources to women in a way that is not respectful to them or the life that they’re carrying.” 

The 40 Days for Life campaign noted on X that it had filed an “IRS complaint” over the free services offered by Planned Parenthood.

“This assault on life and misuse of taxpayer dollars ends NOW,” the group said in a post.

Cornell emphasized the need for empathy and compassionate support. 

“Abortion is very painful,” Cornell said. “It’s not to say that choosing life is going to be easy, but watching the ill effects of a woman who has regretted an abortion and would give anything to have that baby back is crucial. We need to focus on helping each woman individually.”

Cornell concluded by extending an invitation to those interested in supporting women in need to connect with Illinois Right to Life through their website.

“If they’re looking for a way to support women in need, they can visit our website, find ways to donate, or give us a call. We will help connect them with resources, whether financial or through local pregnancy centers,” she said.

While Planned Parenthood set up outside the convention, a "Hotties for Harris" after-party held elsewhere has also become a focal point of controversy and criticism with its reproductive-health themed arcade complete with a gumball machine full of emergency contraceptives.

A wall of messages highlighted the support for women's rights while criticizing anti-abortion stances, with event materials using humor and shock value to make their points. 

Trending Politics’ Colin Rugg highlighted the event’s provocative nature in a post on X, detailing its unusual features and politically charged messaging.

“NEW: Democrats held a 'Hotties for Harris' after-party last evening featuring Plan B, pregnancy tests, and UTI medication,” Rugg wrote. “The DNC should be renamed to the Degenerate National Convention.” 

His comments reflect a broader discontent with the event’s focus on sexual health and its attempts to generate viral content.

Rugg’s critique continued, noting the event’s audacious messaging. 

“The organizers told the visitors that sex would be ending on November 5th if Trump and Vance got into office.” 

He also highlighted some of the more controversial signage present at the party, including “Stop Sex Vote Red” and “Tim Walz Got Me Laid,” suggesting that the event's goal was to shock and engage social media users rather than foster meaningful discourse.

“The event was centered around sex and feminism as the organizers included many bizarre designs throughout the venue so the creators could go viral on TikTok,” he said. 

This included a "Wall of Weirdos" featuring portraits of prominent Republican figures like JD Vance, Donald Trump, and Mike Johnson, contrasted with a "Wall of Hotties" displaying Democratic leaders such as Joe Biden and Stacey Abrams. 

The event also featured elements such as a "Cat Ladies" mini-golf section and an "Abortion Access Skeeball" game.