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  • Title: As Congress adjourns, FACE bill wins passage in House and Senate. But conference postponed until early next year.
    Journal: Wash Memo Alan Guttmacher Inst; 1993 Nov 23; (18):1-3. PubMed ID: 12318532.
    Abstract:
    The US House of Representatives on November 18, 1993, and the US Senate on November 16, 193, passed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE). Republicans opposing the bill were successful in preventing the bill from getting to President Clinton's desk before Congress adjourned for the year. When Congress reconvenes, the bill is expected to be signed into law. The legislation was necessary after the US Supreme Court ruling in Bray vs. Alexandria Women's Health Clinic in January 1993. The ruling stipulated that the existing civil rights law did not protect women seeking abortions from harassment, such as the extreme measures used by Operation Rescue. Federal intervention became necessary as the bombings, murders, and obstruction escalated. Both versions of the bill made it a federal crime to force or threaten force or physically obstruct in any way that injures, intimidates, or interferes with any person seeking abortion services. Damage to a medical facility for reproductive health services was included. Criminal penalties included fines and possible imprisonment, and civil action will be permitted for clinics, individuals, US attorney generals, and state attorney generals to obtain federal injunctions against antiabortion extremists and to seek compensatory and punitive damages. Attorney General Janet Reno was a supporter of FACE and considered it essential in stopping the interference with delivery of health care. The interference was considered to have gone beyond the "legitimate expression of opposing views." There was justification because of the scope of the problem, the severity, and the inadequacy of law enforcement, and the protection of a constitutional right. Differences in the House and Senate versions and the suggested resolutions were discussed.
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