Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Anti-Abortion Protestor for Face Act Violations in Colorado

WASHINGTON – The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado has ordered that
Jo Ann Scott be permanently enjoined from using force, threat of force or physically obstructing any person because that person is or has been obtaining or providing reproductive health services. In addition, Scott will pay damages in the amount of $750 to each of the alleged victims for her use of force in 2010 outside the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM) facility in Denver. The court order is the result of a consent decree entered into by Scott and the United States to resolve a civil complaint filed against her by the United States for violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

The United States alleged in its complaint that Scott used force against a patient on April 2, 2010, and against a companion of a patient on June 9, 2010, with the intent to injure, intimidate or interfere with their efforts to obtain reproductive health services for themselves or their companions. The complaint also alleged that Scott’s husband, Kenneth Scott, violated FACE by engaging in 10 separate incidents in which he physically obstructed patients and staff who were attempting to enter or exit the PPRM. The lawsuit against Kenneth Scott is pending.

“Individuals who seek reproductive health services should be able to do so without fear of physical interference or intimidation by those that disagree with that choice. Likewise, family members and companions should be able to accompany others seeking such services without being subject to physical altercations,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The United States will vigorously enforce the law and seek the full relief the law provides to ensure access to reproductive services.”

This civil action was filed by the Civil Rights Division Special Litigation Section Deputy Chief Julie Abbate and Trial Attorneys Je Yon Jung and Aaron Fleisher.