Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone Law

The decision not to hear a challenge to a New York law allows a 23-year precedent to stand, despite arguments that it infringes on First Amendment rights.

• The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a New York law allowing abortion clinic buffer zones, upholding a 23-year federal precedent.
• The law, passed by Westchester County, New York, makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly approach within eight feet of another person entering an abortion clinic for the purpose of protesting, counseling or handing any material to them.
• Debra Vitagliano, a Catholic 'sidewalk counselor', sued Westchester County arguing the law violated her First Amendment rights.
• The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case lets the Second Circuit decision stand under the 23-year precedent.
• Supporters of Vitagliano argue there is no abortion exception to the First Amendment and that 'sidewalk counseling' is not second-class speech.

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