CHICAGO (WordNews.org) July 27, 2012 – Pro-life groups are mobilizing to hold Planned Parenthood accountable for a botched abortion that resulted in the death of a Chicago woman.

Tonya Reaves, 24, died July 20 following an abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Chicago.

Pastor Ceasar LeFlore, Midwest director of Life Education and Research Network (LEARN), has written to the president of the Illinois Senate, John Cullerton, and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to increase abortion regulations.

“This state’s lack of even the most basic health regulation of abortion providers and clinics is setting the stage for it to happen again,” LeFlore wrote.

LEARN is the country’s largest black pro-life group. The group said the Illinois legislature failed to vote on legislation that would have required all abortion clinics to meet the same health and safety standards of ambulatory treatment centers.

According to LeFlore, state law does not require Planned Parenthood clinics to be inspected by the state Department of Health.

“We are shocked and saddened upon learning of a tragic development at a nearby hospital,” said Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Carole Brite, in a CBS report. “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of this patient.”

CBS reported Reaves had the abortion at 11 a.m. and suffered bleeding following the procedure. The fire department took her to Northwestern Memorial Hospital at 4:30 p.m. She died at 11:20 p.m. in the operating room, CBS reported.

Operation Rescue said Planned Parenthood delayed calling for an ambulance.

“It is clear that Planned Parenthood botched the procedure that resulted in uncontrolled bleeding then failed to treat the hemorrhage while Reaves was at their clinic, allowing her to bleed for over five hours before finally calling for help. There can be no doubt that this delay contributed to her death,” said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. “The injury and the untreated hemorrhage happened at Planned Parenthood and they are solely responsible for it.”

Operation Rescue is also bringing the issue before President Barack Obama.

“We again call on President Obama to stop protecting Planned Parenthood and halt all federal funding to the abortion giant in order to prevent other women from suffering Tonya Reaves’ fate,” Newman said.

He urged supporters to called the White House comments line (202) 456-1111 or submit a comment.

Newman said Obama has disrespected Reaves with comments he made on the campaign trail in support of Planned Parenthood during a speech in Portland.

“Mr. Romney wants to get rid of funding for Planned Parenthood. I think that’s a bad idea,” Obama said. “I’ve got two daughters. I want them to control their own health care choices.”

Photo: Pres. Barack Obama’s insensitive comments supporting Planned Parenthood have disrespected the life and memory of Tonya Reaves, who died from abortion injuries at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Chicago.

“We have to wonder how Mr. Obama would have felt if that had been Malia or Sasha bleeding to death on that abortion table,” Newman said. “By supporting Planned Parenthood and advocating continued tax-funding of this troubled organization, Mr. Obama is intentionally condemning other young women – and perhaps even his own daughters – to the same tragically avoidable fate suffered by Tonya Reaves just a few days ago.”Newman said Obama “completely disrespected the life and family of Tonya Reaves by making this statement on the same day that pro-life organizations called for the President to investigate this incident.”

LEARN’s LeFlore is urging Illinois lawmakers to join 20 other states that mandate counseling for women who are scheduled to have abortions. Known as “informed consent” or “women’s right to know” laws, the mandate requires physicians to tell pregnant women about the risks associated with abortion.

Reaves’ death has led to an outcry among pro-life groups.

“Tony Reaves’ death is a tragedy that must be made known across America,” said Stephen Broden, senior pastor of Fair Park Bible Fellowship and a member of the National Black Prolife Coalition. “This is another example of how Planned Parenthood is a threat to our women, children and ultimately survival.”

Walter Hoy II, founder and president of Issues4Life foundation, said he wanted Planned Parenthood to be held accountable not just Reaves death but the death of black community.

“Abortion is the leading cause of death among blacks and once again Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, is involved in the death our women and children. No one has the right to take the life of an innocent human being,” he said. “It’s time Planned Parenthood be held accountable for the loss of life in its abortion dens.”