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Enhanced penalties for abortion clinic attacks?

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The Senate Health and Human Services Committee is considering a bill that would increase penalties for crimes committed at reproductive health care facilities.

Sen. David Pierce is sponsoring the bill in response to two acts of vandalism last fall at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Claremont.  In the second incident, the perpetrator attacked the building with a hatchet.

According to Pierce, this legislation is necessary to deter individuals from targeting reproductive health care facilities, which can be a flashpoint for violence.

Pierce also noted that unlike the controversial law establishing a protest-free buffer zone around clinics, his bill is “narrowly tailored to only address criminal behavior.” 

Opponents argue that there is not a compelling reason for criminal acts at reproductive health care facilities to be treated any different than criminal acts at other locations. 

Other opponents may be concerned that the law could be used to intimidate lawful protestors outside reproductive health care facilities.

Do you think New Hampshire should enhance the penalties for crimes at reproductive health care facilities?  Comment below.

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