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.
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