MA Advocates React to Supreme Court Decision on Abortion Clinics

Thursday, June 26, 2014

GoLocalWorcester News Team

The Supreme Court unanimously voted to strike down a Massachusetts law that would create buffer zones around abortion clinics for protests on Thursday.

The Supreme Court ruled that the law – which aimed to keep protesters at least 35 feet away from entrances to abortion clinics to avoid confrontation – violates the First Amendment because of its restrictions to public walkways which are areas typically open for free debate.

“The buffer zones burden substantially more speech than necessary to achieve the Commonwealth’s asserted interests,” said the court.

The courts’ justices indicted that when they initially heard the case in January, the state needed to find other ways to address safety concerns and to prevent opponents from preventing access into the clinics.

Massachusetts Reaction

When the news broke of the Supreme Court’s decision, many advocates on both sides of the argument expressed their delight or concern. Those in favor of the ruling applaud the emphasis on freedom of speech, while those opposed were upset with the court because eliminating the buffer zones could be dangerous.

“Americans have the freedom to talk to whomever they please on public sidewalks,” said Mark Rienzi, the lead counsel for Massachusetts Citizens for Life. “That includes peaceful pro-lifers like Eleanor McCullen, who just wants to offer information and help to women who would like it. The Supreme Court has affirmed a critical freedom that has been an essential part of American life since the nation’s founding.”

“Today’s ruling isn’t the end of the story — it can’t be,” said Martha “Marty” Walz, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. “Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, and we will work with local law enforcement and elected officials to protect public safety.”

"The SCOTUS buffer zone ruling is an attack on women's right to access healthcare free from harassment or the threat of violence,” said Katie Hayden, Policy and Operations Manager at MassNOW. “MassNOW will continue to fight so that women can seek accessible and safe reproductive healthcare without the fear of harm."

“The Supreme Court ruling on buffer zones today is wrong and dangerous,” said Deb Goldberg, a candidate for Massachusetts Treasurer. “They have made harassment a priority over healthcare and safety in the name of “free speech.” The striking of this law by the Supreme Court puts women in danger…plain and simple. The Legislature must find a way to immediately act to ensure the safety of women seeking the much needed medical treatment provided at these facilities.