Protection Against Clinic Violence

The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE), enacted in 1994, prohibits a range of violent, obstructive, and threatening activities intended to interfere with the provision of reproductive health services.  FACE prohibits:  1) using force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to intentionally injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone obtaining or providing reproductive health services; and 2) intentionally damaging or destroying the property of a facility because the facility provides reproductive-health services.

The statute provides both criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines, and civil remedies, including injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys' fees.  Repeat violators are subject to increased penalties.  

18 U.S.C.A. § 248 (enacted 1994).