Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill to Reinstate Abortion Clinic "Buffer Zone"

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jul 31, 2014

Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill to Reinstate Abortion Clinic "Buffer Zone"

The governor of Massachusetts has signed a bill that would once again prohibit pro-life speech around abortion clinics. The previous “buffer zone” law that forbid pro-life advocates from speaking to women within 35 feet of a clinic was struck down by the Supreme Court in June.

Supreme Court justices decided unanimously that the law prohibiting free speech was unconstitutional. However, the latest bill signed by Governor Deval Patrick will reinstate the previous buffer zone rules. 

Anne Fox, spokesperson for Massachusetts Citizens for Life is predicting the pro-choice legislators will push the bill into law. 

“As fast as they can get it through the House and signed, Massachusetts will have a law which is worse than the old Buffer Zone.  It effectively creates a 25-foot zone and the penalties are scary – $50,000 and three years in jail. The legislature is in the process of disrespecting the Supreme Court and penalizing law-abiding citizens,” Fox said. 

Publication date: July 31, 2014



Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill to Reinstate Abortion Clinic "Buffer Zone"