Vital Signs: Anti-abortion group still suing despite repeal of buffer zone

Portland’s repeal of the 39-foot no-protest zone around the city’s only abortion clinic won’t likely end the legal drama over restriction of anti-abortion demonstrators in the area. Erin Kuenzig, attorney for the Thomas More Law Center representing a group of anti-abortion demonstrators who sued the city over the buffer zone, said her clients plan to continue pursuing their case in federal court — in part, to send a message that the city shouldn’t try any other buffer zone ideas, either.

But while the Portland city councilors on Monday night went through what was considered a legal formality by repealing their buffer zone — after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down similar zones in Massachusetts last month — they didn’t shrink away from Kuenzig’s challenge, either.

Anti-abortion protesters to push ahead with lawsuit, despite repeal of Portland buffer zone

Other top health stories this week:

New report calls Maine’s medical marijuana program the nation’s best

The study rated states based on categories including patient rights and protection against discrimination, access to medicine and functionality.

Older prison population squeezing Maine dollars

Maine has the eighth highest percentage of prisoners in the country who are 55 years old or older, fueling an increase in state spending for prison health care, according to a national report released Tuesday.

From our bloggers

Diane Atwood, Catching Health

Choose Love, Not Fear: Joe Semmes’ Top Ten List for Seriously Ill Cancer Patients

Joe describes life since his diagnosis as “dancing the dance with cancer.” Two and a half years ago, he thought the music was about to end.

Jackie Conn, Sooner or Lighter

Super Size Me! Does the Fast Food Industry Promote Obesity?

I fully believe fast food can be part of a healthful diet. Like any foods, balance and moderation is essential.

From the source

UMaine researchers teamed up with the USDA to create a new type of pepper that tastes less pungent but maintains the natural health benefits. The new Capsicum annuum L. pepper, developed through traditional breeding methods, will make antioxidant-rich hot peppers palatable to more consumers, UMaine said in a news release.

 

Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.