Sam Farr: “today I join my colleagues in voicing strong support for sending H.R. 796 to conference committee. The Freedom of Access…”

“today I join my colleagues in voicing strong support for sending H.R. 796 to conference committee. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act will send a clear message to the American people that shootings, arson, and physical threats are neither appropriate nor legitimate means of expressing political and moral differences. This law will protect a woman's constitutional right to privately, freely, and safely choose abortion if she so chooses. H.R. 796 achieves this without impeding on the rights of those who choose to peacefully picket or demonstrate. Last December, a clinic in my district, the Choice Medical Group, won a preliminary injunction that keeps protesters off clinic property. Since then, the entrance to the clinic is only used by people coming to use medical services. Ms. Genevieve Grein, certified nurse practitioner and clinic administrator told me that she is awed by the difference this has made for patients arriving at the clinic. Patients can now drive into clinic grounds past the protesters and arrive relatively calm and relaxed instead of traumatized, in tears, and highly stressed. This is the way it should be for all woman visiting a clinic. Since David Gunn was murdered, special arrangements have to be made when doctors visit the clinic. The injunction has relieved anxiety for doctors and clinic employees. I believe that H.R. 796 will bring much needed relief and protection to the constitutional rights of women in our Nation.”