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.

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