. . . because action speaks louder than words.
League history, NOW v. Scheidler, Action News, Joe Scheidler, League staff
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Helping abortion-bound women choose life for their babies
Helping abortion-bound women choose life for their babies
Unmasking the truth about abortion in the public square
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News and commentary from the Pro-Life Action League
Many pro-lifers are unaware of precisely what their rights are to sidewalk counsel outside abortion facilities. Here we answer some of the most common questions about those rights:
Yes. The First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution protects the "freedom of speech."
The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that peaceful communication—such as spoken words, display of signs and leafleting—are all protected forms of free speech, especially in public places like sidewalks and parks.
[Back to Top]The right to free speech in public places does not depend upon the consent of the listeners. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that speech cannot be censored simply because the speaker's message irritates or offends a listener.
In fact, the Supreme court has even mentioned the phrase, "Abortion is Murder," as an example of free speech. (Note: We don't recommend using that phrase as you approach an abortion-bound woman. It is intended to illustrate the extent of our rights.)
[Back to Top]No. The 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act does not prohibit sidewalk counseling. Read the full text of the bill here [PDF].
FACE makes it a federal offense when someone "by force or threat of force or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with" any person because that person is "obtaining or providing reproductive health services."
FACE specifically exempts "any expressive conduct (including peaceful picketing or other peaceful demonstration protected by the First Amendment." A sidewalk counselor who uses neither force, nor threats of force, nor physical obstruction, does not violate FACE.
[Back to Top]As the result of the jury decision in NOW v. Scheidler Judge David Coar issued a nationwide injunction in 1999, limiting some activities at abortion clinics.
However, as of 2006, when Joe Scheidler won the NOW v. Scheidler lawsuit with a 9-0 Supreme Court victory, the injunction has been defunct and does not limit pro-life activity.
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