As Middlesex District Attorney and Attorney General, Martha successfully advocated for and defended legislation to create and expand buffer zones around reproductive health care facilities to ensure the safety
of patients and staff members.
Earlier this year, Martha filed a lawsuit challenging Bush Administration provider conscience regulations that jeopardized a woman's ability to access reproductive health care from her doctor. Her office worked with the
Obama administration, which then moved to rescind those regulations.
In the Senate, Martha will be a leader who will always fight to ensure that women are able to access safe reproductive health care.
She has been and will continue to be a steadfast champion of Roe v. Wade and its embodiment of fundamental liberty and privacy interests.
Source: Campaign website, www.marthacoakley.com, "Issues"
Oct 1, 2009
Supported 35-foot buffer zone at abortion clinics
The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the constitutionality of the Commonwealth's buffer zone law. That statute creates a 35-foot buffer zone around entrances and driveways of reproductive health care facilities that provide
abortion-related services. The law allows persons to enter the buffer zone only to enter or leave the clinic. Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office defended the constitutionality of the statute in the federal court proceedings.
"We are pleased that
the First Circuit has upheld this important law, which enhances public safety and access to medical facilities," said Coakley. "The court agreed that the buffer zone law does not violate the First Amendment because it leaves open ample opportunities for
civil engagement on public ways outside of reproductive clinics."
The buffer zone law was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick and took effect in Nov. 2007. In May 2007, Coakley testified before the Legislature in support of the passage of the legislation.
Source: Press release on Attorney General website, www.mass.gov
Jul 9, 2009
