Title: House approves bill to combat violence at abortion clinics.

POPLINE Document Number: 091570

Author(s):

Merida K

Source citation:

WASHINGTON POST, 1993 Nov 19;:A11.

Abstract:

On November 18, 1993, the US House of Representatives passed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This action was in response to over 1000 incidents of vandalism, arson, and bombings at abortion clinics in the past decade as well as intimidation of women seeking services at such facilities. The bill imposes fines of up to US$100,000 and a 1-year jail sentence on 1st-time offenders; a 2nd offense would carry fines of up to $250,000 and 3 years' imprisonment. A life sentence could be imposed in the case of death. A Senate version of the bill, passed November 16, 1993, calls for lesser penalties for nonviolent offenses and applies to houses of worship as well as abortion clinics. This action to protect abortion rights was taken at a time when legislation to ban state restrictions on abortion or restore federal funding for abortions for poor women has been stymied.

Keywords:

United States
Legislation
Abortion
Political Factors
Program Accessibility
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Health Facilities
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Interest Groups
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration