An ordinance restricting protests around health care facilities, including those that conduct abortions, won Pittsburgh City Council's narrow approval today.

After three and a half hours of emotional but civil public comment and debate, council voted 5 to 3 in favor of the restrictions.

If they become law, protesters would be barred from getting within 15 feet of the doors of any health care facilities. Within 100 feet of the doors, protestors could not approach within eight feet of clients without their consent.

"The testimony today illustrated that there really is a problem" with harassment of clinic patients, said Kim Evert, chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania. "We're very appreciative."

"We'll continue what we're doing peacefully and prayerfully," said Amanda Neuzil, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville who frequently protests at city clinics.

"It's going to cost the city of Pittsburgh lots and lots and lots of money," said Joseph Parente, of Pittsburgh Rescue, predicting civil rights lawsuits should the ordinance be enforced.