JOY, WORRY GREET RULING

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 14, 1993                   TAG: 9301140032
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
JOY, WORRY GREET RULING
Here is how some people in Western Virginia who have been active on the abortion issue reacted to the Supreme Court's ruling Wednesday. Justices said federal judges cannot stop protesters who try to block women's access to abortion clinics.
\ David Nova, public affairs director, Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge:
"The decision struck us as ludicrous. . . . This is more a reflection of recent Supreme Court appointees - hostile to abortion rights - than to constitutional law. Having a president not opposed to abortion may make anti-abortion groups less likely to try to change the law but [more likely to] turn to lawless tactics.
\ Kathryn Haynie, executive director, Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge:
"I am fearful. We urge Virginians to support a bill to strengthen Virginia law" [by stiffening penalties against repeat offenders at blockades of medical facilities.] The bill in no way is intended to infringe on the First Amendment rights of protesters. It has nothing to do with verbal expressions of dissent or peaceful demonstration."
\ Andrea Sexton, Roanoke chapter, Virginia Society for Human Life:
"It is still criminal activity to blockade. All the court ruling said was that it was not an infringement on women's civil rights. The decision in no way inhibits women's right to abortion and does not make it legal to blockade a clinic. The Virginia Society for Human Life is not engaged in blockades, but . . . is opposed to singling out anti-abortion protesters."
\ Ron Hedlund, Pro-Life Action Coalition of Southwest Virginia
"Jubilation, [even though] the Pro-Life Action Coalition is not involved in blockades and in the scheme of things, this is a small token win. I have a feeling blockades will grow. With the new administration, I think there will be a lot of pro-abortion law and regulation and that will motivate more people to take that kind of action."

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB