San Mateo Planned Parenthood Buffer Zone Gets Approval From Council

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo City Council unanimously approved a buffer zone around the city’s Planned Parenthood clinic to prevent “harassing, intimidating or obstructing” patients seeking care at a meeting Monday.

The ordinance was introduced by the council after a leaked draft of a Supreme Court majority opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade — the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion in all 50 states — was published by Politico and later confirmed to be authentic by the court.

The San Mateo Police Department has received at least six calls related to harassment of people trying to access the facility since 2014, according to a staff report.

“Access to reproductive health services is under attack and we must do everything we can to ensure all of our residents have open and unfettered access to care,” said San Mateo Deputy Mayor Diane Papan in a news release. “I have worked with Planned Parenthood and city staff to help craft this ordinance to both help local residents continue to access care, protect clinic staff, and to firmly assert our rights - at least in our community.”

Related: Redwood City Seeks Buffer Zone For Planned Parenthood Location

The ordinance prevents people from approaching within eight feet of anyone attempting to enter or exit the Planned Parenthood within 100 feet of the entrance.

“Protecting patients for harassment, invasions of privacy and intimidation is fundamental to preserving access to critical health care services,” Papan said. “While many states are taking access to reproductive health away, our community must stand up for our residents and ensure anyone can get the care they need.”

San Mateo County is also considering a buffer zone around the Planned Parenthood location in unincorporated Redwood City after the Redwood City council approved sending a letter asking for the county to take action.

Similar measures have been passed in San Francisco and Walnut Creek.