Sign in Subscribe
Murder

First Trial Under Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Law Testing Limits of Abortion Protest

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Abortion clinic protests were a hallmark of the Reagan and Bush Administrations, resulting in dozens of clinics being firebombed, workers intimidated, and assaulted. However, with the passage of the Federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law, a new era of determination by Federal officials to control violence growing out of the battle over abortion rights has emerged. The law, signed four months ago, aims to curb violent and disruptive demonstrations at abortion clinics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial of Paul J. Hill, a 40-year-old former minister accused of killing Dr. John B. Britton and James H. Barrett at an abortion clinic, marks the first prosecution under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law.
  • Hill, who faces state murder charges and could face the death penalty, has been accused of using a shotgun to kill the two men, and injured June Barrett, Dr. Britton's wife.
  • The trial has raised tensions among abortion rights supporters and opponents, with some criticizing the prosecution's handling of the case, and others arguing that the trial sends a "very different message" from past Administrations.
  • Abortion rights supporters, such as Kate Michelman and Patricia Ireland, have applauded the prosecution, citing the need to control violence and intimidation at abortion clinics.
  • Opponents of abortion, including the Rev. Flip Benham, have argued that the trial is an attempt to "portray their movement as more about 'Conan the Messiah than Jesus the Messiah'".
  • The trial is being heard in Federal District Court by Judge Roger Vinson, who has already ruled against Hill's use of the "necessity defense", suggesting that he would reconsider the defense if Hill presented evidence and legal arguments to support it.
  • Caroline Tesche, a former prosecutor in Florida and legal director of the Feminist Majority Foundation, has stated that the Federal charges required a lower standard of proof and that jury selection in the Federal case would be easier than in the state trial.

Statistics:

  • 12 years passed before the passage of the Federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law.
  • Dozens of clinics were firebombed or blockaded, and workers were intimidated and assaulted during the Reagan and Bush Administrations.
  • 40-year-old former minister Paul J. Hill faces state murder charges and could face the death penalty if convicted.
  • 4-5 days is the estimated duration of the trial in Federal District Court.
  • 1987 is the year in which Judge Roger Vinson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
  • 3 counts of "injuring and interfering" are the charges leveled against Hill in the Federal case.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, July 1994
  • Associated Press, July 1994
  • The Feminist Majority Foundation, July 1994
  • National Abortion Rights Action League, July 1994
  • National Organization for Women, July 1994
  • Operation Rescue, July 1994
  • Christian Action Group, July 1994
  • The Pensacola News Journal, July 1994

Read more