Tell Your Alderman to Support the Health Center Safety Ordinance!

Support Chicago Health Center Safety Ordinance!

Greetings,

Today the Human Relations Committee passed an ordinance that would create a 50 foot safety zone around Chicago hospitals, medical clinics and healthcare facilities. Within this buffer zone, individuals would be prohibited from approaching people within 8 feet unless they are given permission. In addition, the use of force, threats or obstruction to interfere with someone entering or leaving a medical facility would be prohibited.

This is an important victory for the patients and medical professionals of Chicago! But our work is not over. The full Chicago City Council will be considering the buffer zone ordinance on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009.

Tell your alderman to vote YES on the buffer zone ordinance.

"Proposal would protect those seeking abortions" Chicago Sun-Times

A bubble zone of eight feet will help ensure that those giving and seeking health care can safely enter and leave medical facilities, keep entrances open, maintain distance between individuals, minimize physical contact and reduce harassment and intimidation.

The bubble zone balances the need to protect patient and staff safety while preserving the freedom of speech.

Since Dr. George Tiller was assassinated in Wichita in May for providing abortions, PPIL has seen a significant surge in the size and aggressiveness of protests in front of our health centers. Our clients deserve the right to receive the health care they need without putting their safety, and the safety of our staff and volunteers, in jeopardy.

That is why Planned Parenthood of Illinois is celebrating the success of the proposed buffer zone ordinance in today's committee. We need to make sure that every Chicago Alderman hears that safety around health facilities is important.

Send a letter to your alderman today.

Tell them to vote YES on the buffer zone ordinance!

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Vote YES on the buffer zone ordinance!

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I urge you to vote yes on Alderman Vi Daley's proposed health facility buffer zone ordinance. This ordinance will protect patients, staff and volunteers at health care facilities and also respect free speech rights.

I am very concerned about the protests and other aggressive activities that are occurring daily outside medical centers in Chicago. Patients should not be harassed, followed and prevented from getting the health care they need. Staff should feel there is a certain level of safety when going to and from work.

That is why I fully support the proposed buffer zone ordinance. I hope you will attend the October 7, 2009 meeting of the City Council and vote yes on this important proposal.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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What's At Stake:

Each year across the United States and in Illinois, health care facilities are the target of harrassment and violence.

According to the National Abortion Federation, in 2008, there were over 200 reported violent incidents including stalking, assault and vandalism.

Threats and violence at health centers have been on the rise in the last year. Just in the first four months of 2009 there were 75% more reports of hate mail and harassing phone calls than for the entire year of 2008!

Women have a right to access safe reproductive health care. Yet, even today, in Chicago, protesters try to keep women out of clinics by harassing and intimidating them.

Currently, many women are faced with harassment and other hostile acts as they attempt to enter and exit clinics. A number of clinics throughout the City have reported problems with patients freely accessing the health services they need. Anti-choice protesters frequent the clinics and their surrounding areas, harassing both patients and staff. As a result, many women are intimidated or otherwise prevented from accessing their healthcare.

The proposed clinic safety ordinance balances the rights of patients to access medical care with the right of protestors to express their opinions.

Campaign Expiration Date:
October 8, 2009

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