Jerrold Nadler: “I rise to express my strong support for the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, of which I am a cosponsor. The…”

“I rise to express my strong support for the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, of which I am a cosponsor. The purpose of this bill, to put it simply, is to protect liberty against mob rule. The liberty interest at issue here is a most fundamental one: The right of women to choose whether and when to bear children and receive necessary health care services. Let's clear away the false rhetoric. This bill does not in any way threaten the first amendment rights of abortion opponents. It will prevent any group whatever their motivation--from using force or threats of violence to impose their beliefs on their fellow citizens by physically obstructing or intimidating them from exercising a constitutionally protected right. Let us be clear: The concerns animating supporters of this bill are by no means hypothetical. Physical obstruction, intimidation, and out- and-out violence--up to an including arson and murder--have become commonplace at reproductive health care clinics throughout the country. It is not merely the right, but the obligation of government to protect citizens whose constitutionally protected rights are systemically threatened in the manner that certain antichoice zealots have made their trademark. Hearings held by the Judiciary Committee have documented the nature and extent of the violence, obstruction, and harassment. The women of America, and the health professionals who serve them, are looking to us for relief from these outrages.”