Daniel Courney, FACE Act Violations, New Jersey 2021

Violence Against Reproductive Health Services Providers on the Rise

A disturbing trend of violence against reproductive health services providers has been reported in recent years. In New Jersey, one individual’s actions have sparked a federal investigation and a subsequent agreement to resolve the matter.

Daniel Courney, a New Jersey resident, has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit filed against him for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The FACE Act protects the right to access and provide reproductive health services, including abortion.

The FACE Act prohibits anyone from using force, threats of force or physical obstruction against any person seeking or providing reproductive health services. Courney allegedly violated the FACE Act on two occasions in October 2021, using physical force against a patient escort at a health clinic in Englewood, New Jersey, to attempt to prevent the volunteer from assisting individuals seeking the clinic’s services.

The proposed consent decree, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, orders Courney to stay away from the clinic permanently, prohibits future FACE Act violations and requires Courney to pay a monetary penalty. The exact amount of the monetary penalty was not specified in the press release.

“Reproductive health care providers must be free to carry out their work free from interference or intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing federal law to protect providers and all people seeking access to reproductive health care across our nation.”

“Access to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Individuals must be able to access facilities like the Englewood clinic to make decisions about their own bodies, health and futures, in consultation with health care providers. Those providers are entitled to offer services free from the threat of violence against them. Our office remains committed to the enforcement of the FACE Act throughout the District of New Jersey to protect these important rights. We encourage anyone with information about potential FACE Act violations to contact our office.”

The Justice Department is committed to the protection of reproductive rights and recently announced the formation of its Reproductive Rights Task Force to protect those rights nationwide. If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, please call 911 or local police.

For more information on potential FACE Act violations or other threats to reproductive freedom, please contact your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or via tips.fbi.gov. In the District of New Jersey, individuals may report potential FACE Act violations or other threats to reproductive freedom by calling the Civil Rights Hotline, 855-281-3339, or by submitting an online complaint here.

Senior Civil Rights Counsel R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Daniel Courney

Criminal Charges: Violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act

City and State: Englewood, New Jersey

Exact Date: October 2021

Sentence or Outcome: Proposed consent decree ordering Courney to stay away from the clinic permanently, prohibiting future FACE Act violations, and requiring Courney to pay a monetary penalty (exact amount not specified)

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Massachusetts Violent Crime Spike, 1992

Jul 1, 1992

Violent Crime

United States v. Day, Racketeering, Florida 2005

Jul 1, 2005

Violent Crime

Feds Slam Blue with Fraud Charges in Maryland Courtroom

Jul 1, 2012

Violent Crime

Edgar Arellano-Rios, Robbery and Assault, Illinois 2013

Apr 25, 2013