Clinic Access Bill: A gain for reproductive rights

Imagine that you’re on your way to a medical appointment or your job, and you face a gauntlet of screaming, angry people who are threatening you and trying to stop you from entering the building.

That is what women nationwide have faced for 36 years—since abortion was legalized—as virulent right wingers have used hostile tactics to try to stop them from exercising their fundamental rights to reproductive choice and health services.

A step forward in giving legal protection to women accessing essential reproductive health services at New York City clinics and to their staff occurred on April 2 when the City Council overwhelmingly passed the Clinic Access Bill.

This legislation was the result of pressure and struggle by women’s rights organizations in response to clinic appeals. It was sponsored by civil liberties and reproductive rights groups, including NARAL Pro-Choice NY, National Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood, the Reproductive Rights Project of New York Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

This law criminalizes acts that prevent access to or damage a reproductive health care facility or that physically obstruct anyone from entering a clinic; following or harassing anyone within 15 feet of a facility; or placing anyone in fear of physical harm. It protects providers, clinic workers and clients. (prochoiceny.org)

The ultra-right has mobilized for many years to try to stop women nationally from exercising their reproductive rights. Harassment, verbal abuse and threats routinely occur outside of clinics. Attacks have escalated to physical assaults on clients and staff, destruction of facilities, even bombings, causing severe injury and death.

Eyewitnesses have reported anti-choice forces in New York blocking clinic doors, “grabbing patients on their way in,” or “knocking staff down on their way to work.” (rhrealitycheck.org)

“Protesters have targeted clinics throughout NYC. They are organized, aggressive and tenacious about intimidating women in need of services,” NOW explained in its pro-legislation testimony. “Going to a clinic ... for family planning services should not [jeopardize] one’s safety or life.” NOW affirmed the right of women in all neighborhoods and of every economic status to access reproductive care. (nownyc.org)

Women’s health clinics are essential. They provide counseling, contraceptive services, abortions and, often, general health care. As the recession deepens and women lose health insurance, more are turning to family planning clinics for primary health care, where it’s often low-cost or free.

But the vociferous right wing isn’t easing up.

Eleanor Bader, author of “Targets of Hatred: Anti-Abortion Terrorism,” reports that since 2009 began, there has been an “uptick” of vulgar taunts, harassment, menace and violence at women’s clinics nationwide. A Feminist Majority Fund study found that 20 percent of these facilities reported blockades, invasions and stalking in 2008. (rhrealitycheck.org)

The New York law gives crucial legal protection to clinics, their patients and staff. However, just like Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing abortion rights, it must be backed up by continuing vigilance and struggle against the ultra-right.

It is really the decades-long courage, determination and hard work of pro-choice activists that is the front-line defender of reproductive rights for all women.