House Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs DeGette and Slaughter Respond to Supreme Court Decision on Buffer Zones

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Louise Slaughter (NY-25), co-chairs of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in McCullen v. Coakley, which affirms the legality of buffer zones outside of healthcare facilities while striking down Massachusetts' 35-foot fixed buffer zone law over specific issues:

"No one should have to face threats or intimidation while seeking constitutionally protected healthcare, and the Supreme Court has now restricted the protections available to patients with the McCullen decision. This affirmation is an essential point in today's decision. We hope Massachusetts and other states take action to protect patients in a manner that the Court allowed today. We will continue to work with leaders around the country to protect women and their families from harassment and violence.

"While the Supreme Court today overturned a large ‘fixed' buffer that covers sidewalks and other public spaces, the framework first established by Colorado's buffer bill and upheld in the 2000 Hill decision offers a template to follow. Patients can still receive protection from a ‘floating' buffer when they approach a clinic, doctor's office, or other health facility."

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