New Temporary Buffer Zone Law Already Garnering Support And Criticism

A new state law has been designed to tighten security around Massachusetts abortion clinics. Gov. Patrick signed the bill Wednesday, just one month after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the state's previous "buffer zone" law, saying it was in violation of the first amendment.

The old law put a permanent 35-foot buffer around clinic entrances and driveways, keeping demonstrators outside of that zone. The new law, called “An Act to Promote Public Safety and Protect Access to Reproductive Health Care Facilities,” allows police to create a temporary 25-foot buffer zone for up to eight hours around abortion clinics if they determine people are blocking or impeding patient access. The new law is already garnering both support and criticism.

Anne Fox, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

Jessica Silbey, professor of law at Suffolk University and member of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund Board in Massachusetts. She tweets @JSilbey.