Chicago “Bubble Zone”

Get the most recent in-depth news on the Chicago Bubble Zone case here.

In September of 2009, the Thomas More Society was alerted to the fact that, at the behest of Planned Parenthood and other local abortion providers, Chicago Alderman Vi Daley was planning to propose a “Bubble Zone” ordinance before Chicago’s city council.

The whole operation had taken place behind closed doors, so by the time TMS received the tip, there were only days left before the city council meeting where it was to be discussed.

The ordinance proposed a 50 foot bubble zone around the door of any medical facility in Chicago. Within that 50 foot bubble, no one could approach within 8 feet of anyone trying to enter the clinic. Violating the ordinance would result in a $500 ticket.

While the language of the ordinance tried to make it sound like it was protecting health facilities, it was clearly aimed at the protected First Amendment exercise of sidewalk counseling that pro-lifers perform outside of abortion clinics. The ordinance would make it nearly impossible to offer information and alternatives to women seeking abortion—a clear violation of pro-lifers’ First Amendment right to distribute information in the public square.

The city council approved the ordinance, though not without opposition, and the Thomas More Society is currently working to seek an injunction on the ordinance to stop it’s being enforced until it can be challenged in court.

Get the most recent in-depth news on the Chicago Bubble Zone case here.