County Executive Latimer signs bill protecting patients entering abortion clinics

In part, the bill makes it illegal to physically prevent or intimidate someone from seeking medical services and protests must be kept 25 feet away from any women's health care facility.

News 12 Staff

Jun 27, 2022, 11:18 AM

Updated 661 days ago

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Westchester Executive George Latimer signed the Reproductive Health Care Facilities Access Act into law moments after County Legislators passed the bill 15-2 on Monday.
The law makes it illegal to obstruct someone from entering a reproductive health care facility, as well as bars physical harassment, damage to the premises or trying to intimidate people within 25 feet of the building.
The legislation comes as many believe New York will see an increase in women from out of the state seeking abortions -- and anti-abortion protesters will follow along as well.
"You have your right to free assembly, but you cannot use the tools of democracy to destroy democracy," says Latimer.
The lone Republican and conservative members of the board voted against the bill citing First Amendment concerns.


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