Ohio Dems introduce bill to block abortion clinic protesters

COLUMBUS — Democrats in the Ohio House have introduced legislation that would prevent protesters from blocking access to abortion clinics.

HB 408 also would enable doctors and employees at Planned Parenthood and other women’s health care facilities to file civil suits against abortion opponents if they feel intimidated or harassed.

“No health care provider, no receptionist, no police officer, no person who goes to a clinic to be supportive of their friend deserves to be targeted with inflammatory rhetoric or hate or violence,” Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, said today during a press conference at the Statehouse.

The proposed law changes come in response to a recent shooting at a Planned Parenthood location in Colorado, where three people were killed and nine others wounded.