Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Review of Ruling for Abortion Foes Urged

The Clinton Administration said a federal appeals court wrongly spared Operation Rescue and other groups that block women’s access to abortion clinics from being sued under a federal anti-racketeering law. Justice Department lawyers urged the Supreme Court to review the lower court’s ruling, which was appealed by the National Organization for Women and abortion clinic owners. The appeal, filed with the high court last November, says anti-abortion groups comprise “a nationwide criminal conspiracy of extremists” bent on “unlawful and violent methods” to drive abortion clinics out of business. The court asked the Administration for its views in January, leading to the latest brief. Administration lawyers said the federal court erred when it concluded the federal law requires proof that alleged racketeering acts were motivated by an economic purpose.