Two Pittsburgh City Council members introduced legislation today that would govern protests near clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

The legislation, sponsored by Councilmen Doug Shields and William Peduto, would create a 100-foot zone around entrances to healthcare facilities. People could protest within that zone but could not go within 8 feet of a person seeking to use the facility without that person's consent.

It would bar any protests within 15 feet of the entrance to a healthcare facility.

The legislation is meant to give police a means of preventing violent confrontations in front of healthcare facilities, said Kim Evert, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, which supports the proposed ordinance.

She said protestors frequently target clinics that provide abortion services, like Allegheny Reproductive Health Center in East Liberty. "There needs to be an ability to separate people in these very intense emotional situations," she said.

She noted that issues like stem cell research and genetic engineering could inspire protests near hospitals and research facilities. Council could vote tentatively on the legislation Dec. 7 but may opt to schedule a public hearing instead.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.