Antiabortion-Rights Advocates Protest 'Bubble Zone' Ordinance Outside Chicago Clinics

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 20 Nov 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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About 40 antiabortion-rights advocates protested a "bubble zone" ordinance on Tuesday at a North Side Planned Parenthood clinic in Chicago, the Chicago Tribune reports. The measure took effect on Wednesday. The law establishes a 50-foot buffer outside the entrances of abortion centers. Within that zone, protesters can't come within an eight-foot zone. Anyone who enters the zone could be fined $500.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois issued a statement saying that it was "thrilled" by the ordinance, which the City Council passed last month. The statement said, "This new bubble zone will enhance public safety in a fair and constitutional manner," adding, "The law strikes a delicate balance between the right to free speech with the need to protect people from harassment and intimidation."

Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, said his organization plans to file suit in federal court this week to enjoin the ordinance, arguing that it is a violation of free-speech rights.

Jenny Hoyle, spokesperson for Chicago's law department, said that the ordinance was crafted carefully in order to withstand legal challenges. According to the Tribune, the law originated in Colorado, where it was challenged but then upheld as being constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling (Simmons, Chicago Tribune, 11/18).

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