Court renews battle over buffer zone around Englewood abortion clinic
(Worthy News) – A federal lawsuit filed to challenge a buffer zone around an Englewood abortion clinic was sent back to a lower court on Monday.
An Englewood ordinance, which was originally adopted in 2014, barred the public from an area within 8 feet of clinic entrances. It was adopted in response to harassment of patients outside Metropolitan Medical Associates, a clinic on Engle Street that offers abortions.
A pro-life activist, Jeryl Turco, filed a lawsuit in 2015 challenging the protest-free buffer zones. She alleged that the ordinance violated the First Amendment and the state constitution. She also said it created a double standard between protesters and the volunteers who escort patients to and from the clinic, using the restricted parts of the sidewalk.
In its ruling Monday, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sent the case back to federal court in New Jersey, writing that it wasn’t clear whether the ordinance prevented Turco from communicating her message. [ Source: North Jersey (Read More…) ]