We have an important update on Life Legal’s ongoing battle for free speech on behalf of the unborn and those who advocate for them. Recently, Life Legal filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Coalition Life v. City of Carbondale, Illinois. This case challenges Carbondale’s “bubble zone” ordinance, a law that censors pro-life voices by restricting free speech on public property outside of abortion facilities. In our brief, we argue not only that this ordinance is an unconstitutional assault on First Amendment rights, but that it’s time for the Supreme Court to overturn Hill v. Colorado—the 2000 precedent that made such restrictions possible.
Carbondale, a college town that was once abortion-free, now has three abortion facilities – all opened after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022. When Coalition Life, an organization dedicated to sidewalk counseling, extended its outreach to this town, the Carbondale “bubble zone” ordinance drastically hindered their efforts to offer life-saving support outside these facilities. Coalition Life took their fight to court, but the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed their case, stating that their First Amendment rights were blocked by Hill. Now, they are seeking a Supreme Court review, and Life Legal is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them.
Why now? In our brief, we directly confront the doctrine of stare decisis, which some use to protect established precedent—unless, of course, that precedent contradicts their agenda. Pro-abortion advocates regularly demand the reversal of laws they oppose, yet they’re quick to invoke stare decisis when it protects their own interests. Life Legal is making the case that Hill is a dangerous precedent and deserves to be overturned.
The Supreme Court will consider the case in conference on November 8.
A victory for Coalition Life would be a major win for pro-life activism nationwide. Reversing Hill will open doors for pro-life sidewalk counselors to stand and speak outside abortion facilities in cities across America. More freedom on the sidewalks means more lives saved from the ruthless abortion industry.