"In its decision today in Scheidler v. NOW, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed the criminal nature of the Pro-Life Action Network’s activities and underscored the importance of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) for women seeking to exercise their right to choose abortion," said Nancy Northup, President of the Center for Reproductive Rights. "The outcome of this case, which involved a statutory interpretation of the Hobbs Act and the definition of ‘extortion,’ should not affect women’s access to clinics so long as federal and state authorities enforce FACE vigorously."

"Seventeen years ago, when the National Organization for Women and the other plaintiffs brought this case, groups like the Pro-Life Action Network were terrorizing women and abortion providers through massive blockades and other criminal activities designed to prevent women from obtaining reproductive health services, including abortions. At a time when no other federal criminal law existed to protect women and their doctors, this lawsuit, brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), was absolutely critical to efforts to stop these criminal enterprises."

"As Justice Ginsburg points out in her concurring opinion, however, much has changed since that time. With the passage of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law in 1994, Congress acted specifically to punish those who engage in these types of criminal activities. Actions such as those organized by the Pro-Life Action Network seventeen years ago are now a federal felony offense."

"With the nationwide injunction in this case lifted, it is more important than ever that law enforcement officials continue to protect women and their doctors."