What if women seeking and/ or having safe abortion care were treated as equal? What if they had equal protection under the law? What if these women were able to arrive and depart at safe abortion providers in peace and privacy?
In searching for answers, we must ask the right questions. Follow along for more questions and hopefully some answers.
What if women were really able to come and go at reproductive health centers, who also provide safe abortion care, in peace and privacy- as at other health care providers?
What if women weren't misdirected to other locations by anti- choice protesters?
What if women didn't have to run the gauntlet of a literal mob scene at many clinics? What if they weren't screamed at and having angry epithets shouted at them? What if they didn't arrive in clinics upset, scared, in tears, with blood pressure elevated by heightened anxiety just to get to clinic entrances?
There is a federal law known as FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances), which became law in 1994 (after 2 doctors providing safe abortion care were murdered)- however getting it enforced is another story- as the 'interpretations' vary depending on who's doing the interpreting.
It isn't a perfect world, we know, but why aren't women treated with respect and consideration for the very difficult decisions that must be made? Why aren't women who go to abortion providers for pap smears and contraceptive care allowed to come and go safely, with peace and privacy?
FACE basically provides penalties and fines for those who use force, or theat of force to deny others their rights- or use 'intimidation' to interfere with others rights. This applies at reproductive health care centers providing safe abortion; there's also a provision to protect those attending church.
Getting FACE enforced and prosecuting cases under can be very challenging, if not almost impossible. The cases are heard in federal court the FBI 'should' collect evidence as they investigate, then the U. S. Attorney decides if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute before a federal judge. So, before it's done, several people weigh in on whether 'force or the threat of force' was evidenced; whether 'intimitdation' was evidenced, whether 'obstruction' was evidenced and each may have their own interpretation of this law and these words.
What if those who oppose safe abortion care could not come any closer than say, 150' of abortion care facilities? There are other instances where people must stay a certain distance away or refrain from their protest actions. Like KKK rallies, polling places on election day and most hospitals and other health care facilities. Some states have a distance law regarding funerals (all too frequent in our long Iraqi war), due to the activities of people like Fred Phelps- who seek to disrupt and dishonor.
Why not have a federal statute that provides this safe buffer or bubble zone for women who are exercising their constitutional right, are a protected class- and word it clearly with distances well identified so it's not open to interpretations? But can easily be understood and enforced. Why not tie it to federal funds that municipalities where clinics are located, can lose that federal money (like Community Development Block Grants), if their local law enforcement agency doesn't enforce it?
So, lots of questions and much concern that this current state of affairs continues, leaving the way clear for women to continue to present for safe abortion care in less than healthy condition- due to the anxiety 'running the gauntlet' evokes; violence at clinics increasing in the presence of groups who disrupt and disturb the peace and provide cover for one to 'take out' another doctor, then blend back into the crowd?
Surely intelligent and civilized people like us can find a way to not only see better enforcement of FACE, but provide for increased safety, less traffic hazards, and the same peace and privacy as at other medical facilities.