Schanzenbach v. Skeens and Bristol Regional Women’s Center

Erika Schanzenbach, a pro-life sidewalk counselor, filed legal actions against four members of Pro-Choice Bristol—Denise Skeen, Alethea Skeen, Rowan Skeen, and Cheryl Hanzlik—and the Bristol Regional Women’s Center in Bristol, Tennessee, alleging harassment and assault outside the abortion facility. In 2020, Schanzenbach sought protection orders, citing abuse like licking her arms, blaring bullhorns, and damaging her signs. Video evidence supported her claims, but a Sullivan County Chancery Court judge denied the orders, ruling she didn’t meet the stalking victim burden since she continued advocating. Schanzenbach appealed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

In October 2020, she filed a civil lawsuit against Alethea Skeen, Denise Skeen, and the abortion facility, seeking damages for assault, battery, emotional distress, and public nuisance, alleging the facility supported the escorts’ actions. The defendants boasted online about their tactics, referencing a “Pink Manifesto.”