Story URL: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=141343
Story Retrieval Date: 2/9/2010 8:56:58 PM CST
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Abort_photo

Marla Friedman/MEDILL

Catherine Mieding, right, joins other anti-abortion protestors outside City Hall Wednesday.


Council limits anti-abortion activists near medical facilities

by Marla Friedman
Oct 07, 2009



 Marla Friedman/MEDILL

Abortion protesters chant outside City Hall


Despite protests from approximately 100 abortion opponents Wednesday morning, the City Council approved an ordinance creating a buffer zone around medical facilities.

The ordinance mandates that anti-abortion activists within a 50-foot zone around medical facilities must stay at least eight feet away from a person trying to enter the facility. Violators could face a $500 fine under the ordinance introduced by Ald. Vi Daley (43rd).

Planned Parenthood of Illinois backed the ordinance as a way to protect patients and staff from demonstrations outside of health care facilities.  Steve Trombley, president of  Planned Parenthood, lauded the council’s 27-11 vote.

“We’re thrilled the City Council recognized that Chicagoans can get access to health care without intimidation and harassment,” Trombley said.

Joseph Scheidler, the national director of the Pro-Life Action League, said the ordinance violates the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

“We have talked thousands of women out of abortion,” said Scheidler, who led protestors in chants outside City Hall. “We provide a very necessary service, and women have thanked us for what we have done.”

Catherine Mieding, a volunteer for the Pro-Life Action League, said she is stunned by the council’s vote. Mieding serves as a “sidewalk counselor” to women considering abortions.

“With the restrictions, it’s impossible to counsel,” Mieding said before the protest. “The whole point is to talk to girls and give them alternatives to abortion.”

Scheidler said he plans to submit briefs to Mayor Daley to dissuade him from signing the ordinance.