Congressional Digest

Supreme Court Debates January 2003 No. 1 Vol. 6
National Organization for Women (NOW), et al.

Abortion Protests as Extortion

Use of Federal Antiracketeering Law Against Demonstrators

National Organization for Women (NOW), et al.

Respondents

Fay Clayton, Counsel of RecordIn 1986, the National Organization for Women joined a group of health clinics that performed abortions in a lawsuit against individuals and groups who formed the Pro-Life Action Network (PLAN). They alleged that PLAN schemed to disrupt and close clinics using illegal means, which constituted extortion under the Federal Hobbs Act and State laws. On behalf of all abortion-providing clinics and the women who used their services, NOW initiated a civil action under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), seeking damages for the clinics and an injunction blocking further PLAN activities. After lengthy legal…

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