Florida Preborn Rescue v. City of Clearwater

In Clearwater, Florida, anti-free speech ‘bubble zones’ have severely restricted the ability of pro-life sidewalk counselors to connect with abortion-minded women who, in just a few moments, could end the life of their preborn child inside the walls of Clearwater’s abortion facility.

‘Bubble zones’ are cropping up at an alarming rate across the country, guaranteeing protection to abortion businesses by prohibiting pro-life speech on the public sidewalk. The ‘bubble zones’ aren’t merely examples of content-based speech bias. They also stronghold pro-life sidewalk counselors’ ability to share resources, information, and support with women, preventing them from crossing the abortion facility’s driveway or the sidewalk within five feet of the driveway on pain of a civil citation, fine, and even arrest. The City of Clearwater is a clear example of a rogue municipality directly opposing Florida’s pro-life agenda to enforce unconstitutional anti-speech bubble zones that favor the abortion industry.

Sidewalk counselors are often the last line of defense between a child and the abortionist, bringing hope to a mother who might otherwise believe she has no option besides abortion. That’s why Thomas More Society is committed to bursting ‘bubble zones’ in Florida and in states throughout the country, because preborn lives are on the line and the abortion industry benefits when women aren’t offered the life-affirming resources and support they need.

Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Tyler Brooks noted: “All [our sidewalk counselors] want to do is be able to approach people in a calm and caring manner and let them see our expression, let them see our nonverbal cues, let them know we’re here to help them.”