Sam Gejdenson: “I rise today in support of the conference report on S. 636, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Violent and…”

“I rise today in support of the conference report on S. 636, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Violent and obstructive acts against reproductive health care clinics, their patients, and personnel, have escalated appallingly in the past few years. In my home State of Connecticut, an organized campaign of harassment, physical interference, and terrorism has resulted in a sevenfold increase in acts targeted against reproductive health clinics and the women who visit them. The use of violence to express political views is unacceptable. In my district, clinics in Norwich, Middletown, Willimantic, and Old Saybrook have experienced bomb threats, blockades, and trespass. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act provides relief for clinics and their patients by prohibiting obstruction, force, or threat of force to block access to reproductive health services. At the same time, the bill specifically protects the exercise of free speech such as peaceful picketing and other expressive conduct. The murder of Dr. David Gunn in Florida and the organized bombing campaign against reproductive health care clinics have naturally received the greatest public attention. But these violent acts are the tip of the iceberg. Clinic personnel and their patients are being physically assaulted on a daily basis across the nation.”