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U.S. Supreme Court: Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones Are Unconstitutional

In a decision that could have implications in New Hampshire, the Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Massachusetts law that permits a 35-foot protest-free zone outside abortion clinics.

The justices were unanimous in ruling that extending a buffer zone 35 feet from clinic entrances violates the First Amendment rights of protesters.

New Hampshire lawmakers this year passed legislation to allow a 25-foot buffer zone outside clinics. Gov. Maggie Hassan signed the bill into law earlier this month, but it has yet to take effect.

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