Boston, MA - Kelly O’Bryan, Political Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, issued the following statement in response to Governor Deval Patrick’s signing of An Act Relative to Public Safety (S.1353, the Buffer Zone Bill):

 

“NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts applauds Governor Patrick for his leadership in promoting public safety by signing the Buffer Zone Bill (S. 1353) into law today. This is a major victory for women seeking health services and the medical staff who provide those services. No one deserves to be harassed and intimidated when seeking health care.

 

“It is important to recognize that this is not a new initiative. It is a necessary fix to an unenforceable law. The Buffer Zone Law of 2000 has proven to be ineffective due to its vagueness and complexity, and harassment is still a very real problem at clinics across the Commonwealth.

 

“By establishing a fixed 35-foot buffer zone around the entrances and driveways of all reproductive health facilities in Massachusetts, the Governor is taking an important step to protect the safety and privacy of patients without sacrificing the free speech rights of protestors.

 

“The Buffer Zone Bill received bi-partisan support from both chambers of the General Court. NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts is grateful for the tireless work of our many legislative allies in securing this victory, especially Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Speaker Salvatore DiMasi (D-Boston), Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Senate Chairman James Timilty (D-Walpole), House Chairman Michael Costello (D-Newburyport), lead Senate sponsors Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester) and Susan Fargo (D-Lincoln), and lead House sponsors Carl Sciortino (D-Medford) and Marty Walz (D-Boston).

 

“By signing this bill into law, Governor Patrick has once again shown his true commitment to public safety and access to reproductive health services. We applaud the administration’s leadership on this important public safety issue.”

 

 

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