Ribbon cutting held to reopen Peoria Planned Parenthood after firebombing

Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) has reopened the Peoria Health Center after it was severely damaged by a firebomb attack in early 2023.

The rebuilding and renovations amounted to more than $1 million. On Tuesday, PPIL held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference with Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Michael Cabonargi, Congressman Eric Sorensen, and Illinois State Senator Dave Kohler to unveil the new facility.

“We are back and stronger than ever,” said President and CEO of PPIL, Jennifer Welch. “We know the vital role the Peoria Health Center plays in the central Illinois community. The arsonist may have destroyed our health center and robbed the community from accessing care, but we were also brought closer together. Thanks to the ongoing support from Peoria leaders, residents, and donors we have the pleasure to be part of this amazing community once again.”

The clinic was attacked by a Chillicothe man who said he set the fire because he he believed his ex-partner had received an abortion there, and he was angry about it. He pleaded guilty in February of 2023 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison last summer.