Life Legal is taking a stand against an alarming attack on free speech and pro-life advocacy in San Diego. We’ve filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s draconian new “bubble zone” law—a thinly disguised attempt to silence pro-life voices, not only at abortion clinics, but at high schools, where students might hear a message not approved by the pro-abortion establishment.
The Case: Don Blythe v. City of San Diego
This lawsuit targets a blatant violation of First Amendment rights. San Diego’s ordinance incorporates and expands an anti-knowledge, anti-information regime undercutting the presumption that sidewalks are places for the free exchange of ideas. If this law stands, it could pave the way for similar assaults on free speech nationwide.
How San Diego Escalated Its Anti-Speech Laws
San Diego has been restricting pro-life advocacy near abortion clinics since 1997. The original ordinance created zones around clinics, schools, and churches where people enter or leaving those places could order speakers to “back off” and the speaker would have to retreat 15 feet. But abortion-bound women were still talking to sidewalk counselors, so in June, Mayor Todd Gloria—whose political career has been backed by Planned Parenthood—signed a more oppressive law.
A Chilling New Barrier: “Mother May I” Provision
Pro-life advocates must now obtain explicit permission to approach someone—even to offer help or a leaflet. This new rule creates a significant practical barrierto meaningful conversation or distributing written information. The ordinance also allows private citizens to sue pro-life advocates for alleged violations, exposing them to harassment, legal intimidation, and crippling fines and costs.
Why This Ordinance Is Unconstitutional
Life Legal’s lawsuit exposes the ordinance for what it is: a direct assault on First Amendment rights. It:
- Suppresses free speech in public forums, where such speech is protected.
- Discriminates based on content, targeting First Amendment speech (“protest, education, and counseling”) for restriction, as opposed to other speech, like panhandling.
- Fails to address public safety concerns in a narrowly tailored way.
- Strips pro-lifers of viable alternatives to communicate their message.
Life Legal’s heroic attorneys appeared in court this week seeking immediate court intervention to stop this law in its tracks.
The Media Spin: Distorting the Truth
Supporters of the ordinance claim it’s necessary to prevent illegal activities like obstruction and intimidation—behaviors already outlawed. Local media has labeled it a “free speech protection” ordinance. Don’t be misled. This law exists to shield abortion clinics from the life-saving truths pro-life advocates share.
Why This Fight Matters
San Diego’s law could set a dangerous precedent for similar restrictions nationwide. If cities can silence pro-life advocates with these oppressive laws, countless lives will be lost, and the truth will be suppressed.
History shows these laws are enforced selectively. Pro-life advocates are targeted for the slightest perceived infractions, while abortion activists harassing churches or pregnancy centers are ignored. A victory for Life Legal will not only protect free speech but also strike a blow against the abortion industry’s iron grip on public discourse.
How You Can Help
This is a critical moment, and your support can make a difference:
- Pray: Join us in praying for the success of this lawsuit and for the courage of pro-life advocates nationwide.
- Give: Your financial support powers this fight for free speech and the unborn. Every dollar helps us defend constitutional rights and save lives.