Frank Lautenberg: “I rise in support of the conference report to the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act [FACE]. As an original…”

“I rise in support of the conference report to the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act [FACE]. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I have long supported efforts to stop violence and harassment at our Nation's reproductive health clinics. Mr. President, the Supreme Court has upheld a woman's constitutional right to choose in numerous court cases beginning with Roe versus Wade. Despite these legal assurances, the right to choose has been greatly eroded recently. States have enacted waiting periods, so-called informed consent laws, and other impediments to reproductive health services that do not apply to people seeking other health services. On top of all of this, clinic violence, harassment and obstruction have increased dramatically. This was dramatized by the cold-blooded murder of Dr. David Gunn earlier last year outside of a Pensacola, FL health clinic. His murder took place after years of harassment and posting of wanted signs with his picture on it. But this was no isolated incident. Since 1977, opponents of choice are responsible for more than 1,000 acts of violence against abortion providers, including bombings, arson, death threats, kidnappings, assaults, shootings, and clinic invasions.”