The City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey approved an ordinance today that prohibits people from blocking access to or from a reproductive healthcare facility in Minneapolis while still protecting the First Amendment rights of anti-abortion protesters.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down Roe v. Wade in June, Planned Parenthood clinics across the Twin Cities, but especially in Uptown, have experienced a rise in aggressive protests that have created unsafe environments for those who use the clinics. Clinic protection ordinances have been held by the courts to be content-neutral restrictions.
In addition to prohibiting people from obstructing access to or from a reproductive healthcare facility, the ordinance prohibits the occupation of driveways and allows clinics to install permanent markings on the driveway to indicate its boundaries. Enforcement of the ordinance would fall under the jurisdiction of the Minneapolis Police Department.
“Abortion rights are not truly a right for all women if there is no access,” said City Council Member Lisa Goodman. “This ordinance helps ensure access to reproductive health care in Minneapolis.”
“Abortion is health care and it’s critical that everyone feels safe while receiving that care. At a time when other states are trying to block individuals from making their own personal decision, we in Minneapolis are stepping up to affirm their right of privacy,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “I applaud our Council Members for pushing this important measure forward, specifically Council Member Goodman, who has been at the forefront – ensuring the safety of people accessing reproductive health care.”
Original source can be found here.
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