"Having proven what the judge described as 'numerous, repeated acts of racketeering' by the defendant, NOW got the remedy we need to protect access to women's health clinics," said NOW President Patricia Ireland. "While protecting the defendants' rights to pray, speak or leaflet peacefully on public property, the judge enjoined the Pro-Life Action Network and its members, including Joe Scheidler and his Pro-Life Action League, from interfering with the right of women to obtain services, including abortions, from clinics and the right of the clinics to provide these services."
Under NOW's Project Stand Up for Women, NOW trained volunteers to defend clinics against the aggressive blockades arranged by the defendants. In addition, activists lobbied Congress to enact the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. NOW chapter members were also trained to apply for local injunctions against groups such as Operation Rescue and the Pro-Life Action League -- just two of the defendants in NOW v. Scheidler. As local authorities varied in their commitment to keeping the clinics open , the network of injunctions was loose; this permanent injunction will fill in the gaps and ensure access for women across the country.
For more information please contact the Media Relations Department at 202-331-0066 extension 762. During the weekend or in the evening, please page us at 202-896-6870.
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