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House Repeals Buffer Zone Bill For Abortion Clinics

Allegra Boverman

The house voted Thursday to repeal a law that created buffer zones for protestors around health clinics that provide abortions.

In recent years, both New Hampshire and Massachusetts passed such laws. But last year, the Supreme Court overturned the Massachusetts law, and New Hampshire’s law is yet to be enforced.

Before the new bill passed be a 170-159 margin, Republican Representative Joseph Hagan of Chester said the existing bill steps on free-speech rights.

"Remember that the folks going into the Planned Parenthood clinics for services are legally acting and so were the demonstrators," said Hagan. "Free speech should at least have as much weight as Rowe versus Wade."

The house also voted to table a bill that would ban most abortions after 21 weeks and five days.

Before joining NHPR in August 2014, Jack was a freelance writer and radio reporter. His work aired on NPR, BBC, Marketplace and 99% Invisible, and he wrote for the Christian Science Monitor and Northern Woodlands.
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