[News-releases] NOW Prepares For Argument in NOW v. Scheidler, Abortion RightsSupporters to Rally Outside Court

NOW Press Office
202-628-8669 Rebecca Farmer, x 116
202-785-8576 (fax) 

NOW Prepares For Argument in NOW v. Scheidler, Abortion Rights Supporters to
Rally Outside Court

November 26, 2002

On Wednesday, December 4, in the U.S. Supreme Court, NOW will argue the
pivotal
case that won the first-ever nationwide injunction against anti-abortion
violence, NOW v. Scheidler. 

"NOW filed this suit to protect women and clinic staff from a violent campaign
to close abortion clinics nationwide," said National Organization for Women
(NOW) President Kim Gandy. "This determined effort was carried out by the
Pro-Life Action Network, its leader Joe Scheidler, Operation Rescue and many
others." 

The Court will review the district court's issuance of an injunction
forbidding
Scheidler and the other defendants from further violations of the Racketeer
Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Despite news stories
suggesting otherwise, the Court specifically declined to review the appellate
court's unanimous decision that campaigns of terror against abortion clinics
are not protected by the First Amendment. 

What:         Oral Arguments in NOW v. Scheidler and
                  Rally for Abortion Rights outside the Court 

When:         Wednesday, December 4
                  Oral Arguments begin at 10 am
                  Rally begins at 9 am


Where:         U.S. Supreme Court 

"While Fay Clayton, the lead attorney in NOW v. Scheidler, presents our
case to
the Supreme Court, reproductive rights activists will rally outside," Gandy
said. "NOW's rally outside the Court will illustrate peaceful demonstration --
in stark contrast to the violent tactics of Scheidler and Operation Rescue." 

###

NOW President Kim Gandy and NOW v. Scheidler Attorney Fay Clayton will be
available on the Court's plaza immediately following the oral argument. Or
call
NOW's Media Relations Office at 202-628-8669, ext. 116 to schedule an
interview.