Getting An Abortion In Massachusetts Just Got Harder

The Supreme Court struck down a law that will make a big difference for the women of Massachusetts

Bad news for the women's rights in Massachusetts: Today, the Supreme Court unanimously struck down a Massachusetts law that held off protests outside abortion clinics. The law had been enacted in 2007 and mandated a 35-foot buffer zone surrounding abortion clinics, preventing harassment and even violence. Pro-life supporters challenged the law on the grounds that it violated the first amendment, and that they simply wished to have "conversations" with women entering the clinic about abortion alternatives.

This isn't the first time a law like this one has been brought to the Supreme Court's attention: In Colorado, there's a heftier 100-foot buffer zone outside all health care spaces, as well as a restricting anyone from coming within eight feet of any patient. The Colorado law was upheld by the Supreme Court over a decade ago, in 2000, but when Massachusetts tried a similar law, lawmakers found it inadequate.

While it's not as detrimental to Massachusetts citizens as stricter laws are in states like Texas and Ohio, there's no doubt that the striking down of this Massachusetts law is a major hit for pro-choice advocates. Stay tuned for updates.

Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.