Victor Fazio: “I rise in support of the conference report on S. 636, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This is not about…”

“I rise in support of the conference report on S. 636, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This is not about abortion, or the right to choose. It is about protecting patients and health care providers from the rapidly escalating violence that we have been witnessing at reproductive health clinics around the country. That is why those of us who support this bill have come together on this issue, in spite of our differing views on the matter of choice. We believe that something must be done to stop the violence. We believe that individuals do not have the right to attempt to take the law into their own hands because they do not support a woman's right to obtain a safe, legal abortion. Over the past 10 years we have seen over 1,000 incidents of violence and almost 500 blockades--not peaceful demonstrations--at reproductive health care facilities. One doctor has been killed. Another wounded. Patients and providers have been stalked and threatened. Clinic blockades and invasions, arson, chemical attacks and bomb threats are all a part of this campaign. Yet, State and local laws have not been enough to address the scope of the problem. But this bill gives the Federal Government the power to act when--and only when--protestors go beyond the lawful expression of their views and resort to acts of violence against those with whom they do not agree.”