Justice Department Sues Five for Violating Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act

Florida, USA - The US Justice Department filed a federal civil case in the Middle District of Florida today against five people accused of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. This law forbids using force, threats, or physical obstruction to deter people from obtaining or delivering reproductive health care.

The lawsuit charges Calvin Zastrow, Kenneth Scott, Chester Gallagher, Eva Zastrow, and Katelyn Sims (also known as Katelyn Velasco) with breaching the FACE Act on January 27, 2022, in Fort. Myers, FL. According to the lawsuit, the defendants entered a reproductive health center's property, blocked entrances, and briefly suspended operations. The complaint seeks injunctive remedy and monetary fines under the FACE Act.

“These five defendants deliberately obstructed access to reproductive health services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Physically blocking those seeking or providing reproductive health services to impose their views is unlawful. The Justice Department will continue enforcing the FACE Act to protect against such obstruction.”

“The Justice Department ensures that individuals cannot pick which laws they wish to follow,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We look forward to continuing to protect the rights of patients and providers to access reproductive health care.”

The United States and the Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division. The Middle District of Florida Attorney's Office is in charge of the case.

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SOURCE/CREDITS: Office of Public Affairs | Founder/CEO and Clinical President of Digital Health Company Arrested for $100M Adderall Distribution and Health Care Fraud Scheme | United States Department of Justice