As a group of us were assembled to pray during the 40 Days for Life vigil taking place outside the Albany Medical Surgical Center abortion facility in Chicago, we were taken by surprise when Albany manager Diana Maracick angrily walked right through the middle of our prayer group on her way into the clinic.
Shortly afterward, four police cars arrived. Apparently, Diana had called the police because one of our sidewalk counselors, 64-year old Anna Marie Mesia, had been standing in the public alley adjacent to the Albany facility, talking to a client in the parking lot.
By this time the police arrived, Anna Marie had left the alley, walked past the prayer group, and was standing near the other entrance to Albany’s parking lot along Elston Avenue.
The police approached her, told her she was under arrest, ordered her to place her hands behind her back, and handcuffed her. In obvious discomfort, she was then placed in a squad car.
Her crime? Supposedly, Anna Marie had violated Chicago’s “bubble zone” ordinance.
Editor’s note: Such is life in Chicago … also known as “The People’s Republic of Emanuel” where deadly abortion mills are protected and human rights trampled, according to the whims of those in power.