San Francisco Bill Would Establish Protest-Free Buffer Zone Around Women's Clinics
March 20, 2013 — In response to protesters who harass women trying to enter reproductive health clinics, San Francisco Supervisor David Campos is proposing a ban on protests within 25 feet of the facilities' entrances, exits and driveways, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Protesters who violate the proposed city ordinance would be subject to penalties of up to three months in jail or a $500 fine, which would double on a second offense. The ordinance would not apply to hospitals.
Campos' bill is intended to better protect patients and staff members at San Francisco's only Planned Parenthood location, according to the Chronicle. Although the city in 1993 approved an eight-foot "bubble zone" around individuals within 100 feet of abortion clinics, demonstrators have been able to skirt the law's requirements, Campos said (Riley, San Francisco Chronicle, 3/17).
Planned Parenthood spokesperson Adrienne Verrilli said the clinic is "coming up empty in how to enforce" the current ordinance, adding, "Our clients are coming through the door in tears" (Sankin, Huffington Post, 3/18).
The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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The Editors
Debra Ness, publisher & president, National Partnership
Andrea Friedman, associate editor & director of reproductive health programs, National Partnership
Marya Torrez, associate editor & senior reproductive health policy counsel, National Partnership
Melissa Safford, associate editor & policy advocate for reproductive health, National Partnership
Perry Sacks, assistant editor & health program associate, National Partnership
Cindy Romero, assistant editor & communications assistant, National Partnership
Justyn Ware, editor
Amanda Wolfe, editor-in-chief
Heather Drost, Hanna Jaquith, Marcelle Maginnis, Ashley Marchand and Michelle Stuckey, staff writers
Tucker Ball, director of new media, National Partnership
