Abortion Clinics’ Safeguards Changed

Buffer zones meant to keep abortion protesters away from several Houston area women’s clinics violate free speech, the Texas Supreme Court ruled. In a 6-3 decision, the Austin-based court modified buffer zones surrounding four clinics and eliminated buffers around five other clinics. Four clinics now must allow up to two “sidewalk counselors” to approach their patients within their buffer zone boundaries. However, the antiabortionists must leave patients alone if asked to, the court said. Five other clinics must eliminate their boundaries, the court ruled. The case stems from protests during the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston.