DeKalb Times

Dixon Mayor Liandro “Li” Arenallo is saddened but not necessarily shocked by news that a Will County abortion doctor was found after his death earlier this month to have stored more than 2,200 medically preserved fetal remains in his home.

“It definitely speaks to a mentality and culture that he had in his mind as he was conducting his work,” Arenallo told the DeKalb Times. “It’s not a very healthy practice and it’s not a healthy state of mind. It hardens hearts and minds over the years to be able to do what they do. It’s an utter disregard for human life.”

Days after his death, the Will County Coroner’s Office was called to the home of Dr. Ulrich Klopfer on Sept. 12, when members of his family came across the fetal remains while going through his personal belongings. Investigators eventually found at least 2,246 medically preserved fetal remains on the property. 

Dixon Mayor Liandro "Li" Arellano

According to CBS, Klopfer once owned at least three abortion clinics in nearby Indiana before his license was suspended three years ago.

“I think we as a society need to do a lot better in terms of how we protect the unborn and how we view the sanctity of life right from moment they become their own unique person,” Arenallo said.    

In a statement, the Will County Sheriff’s Office said the family is fully cooperating and thus far there is no evidence that any medical procedures were conducted at the property. Back in early June, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed off on the Reproductive Health Act, that made abortion a “fundamental act” for women across the state.

Arenallo has been speaking out against pro-abortion legislation for years, including taking former Gov. Bruce Rauner to task over his signing of House Bill 40 into law, a bill that provides Medicaid and state insurance coverage for abortions for any reason until the last day of a pregnancy.

"I was incredibly disappointed to see that the governor signed HB40 despite his promise to veto it," Arenallo previously told NW Illinois News. "Aside from my major moral opposition to this bill, it will also add millions in costs to a state that is already broke."