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Thank You for Sponsoring the Clinic Access Bill

Even in New York City, anti-choice protestors are still harassing patients and blocking entrances to clinics and current law does not adequately protect reproductive health care facilities.

Thanks to your City Council Member, the Proposed Int. No. 826 can fix that.

This bill will prohibit anti-choice protestors from harassing patients and staff by creating a 15 foot barrier around all reproductive health centers.

Here's what Joan Malin, President and CEO of PPNYC, had to say about Intro 826 at the City Council hearing:

"I want to be clear at the outset that I'm a fervent believer in freedom of speech.  I believe that everyone has a right to take to the streets, express their opinions and make their voices heard. But I also believe that every person has the right to access health care free of harassment and intimidation. It is this commitment that makes me proud to support Intro 826.  I applaud Speaker Quinn and her staff for crafting legislation that strengthens current laws protecting individual's access to reproductive health services while at the same time respecting First Amendment constitutional rights of individuals to peaceably protest and express one's views.  Because while it is essential that we protect all Americans' right to free speech, it is also critical that we don't confuse freedom of expression with permission to terrorize."

Luckily, your City Council Member feels the way we do - that women should be able to access reproductive health care services without fear of intimidation.

Please take a minute to send the message below to your City Council Member and thank them for their support!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Thank You for Supporting Clinic Access!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I'm writing as a constituent to thank you for taking a leadership role in protecting clinic access in New York City. Thank you for signing on as a co-sponsor of Proposed Int. No. 826 and standing up for a patient's right to access reproductive health care services without fear of harrassment or intimidation.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
December 19, 2008



Background Information

 

 If passed, Proposed Int. No. 826 will:

  • Prohibit persons from knowingly obstructing or blocking another person from entering or exiting a reproductive health care facility with the use of physical contact;
  • Prohibit persons from knowingly obstruct or block the premises of a reproductive health care facility;
  • Create a 15-foot area around a reproductive health care facility in which persons may not to follow and harass any individual or place an individual in fear of physical harm; and
  • Prohibit persons from blocking clinic entrances or exits.
  • The bill would NOT prohibit people from peacefully gathering and protesting