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Dozens of Lynchburg residents call to restrict abortion clinic locations; opponents cite access and safety
Summary
Recorded voice comments to the Lynchburg City Council show a heavy outpouring of support for zoning limits on abortion clinics — callers repeatedly asked that clinics follow ordinary business permitting and be kept away from schools, churches and residential areas — while some local residents warned the change could limit access and pose safety concerns.
Dozens of recorded calls to Lynchburg City Council ahead of a Feb. 12 public hearing reflect broad public engagement on a proposed zoning change (Ordinance O‑26) that would regulate where abortion clinics may operate within the city.
A continuous stream of callers said the amendment would preserve neighborhood character and reduce protests and police responses near sensitive sites. ‘‘It will keep protests from being in our city,’’ said Susan Stoll in a typical comment. Many callers urged that clinics be required to go through the same permitting and zoning review as other businesses.
Some speakers described the measure as a compromise that respects both legal access and local community standards. Others expressly opposed any clinic locating in Lynchburg, urging an outright ban. By contrast, residents such as Mike Little urged the council to reject the ordinance, arguing that restricting locations could make care less safe by separating clinics from hospitals and existing medical practices.
Several callers invoked a 1,000‑foot buffer figure, and multiple speakers used the ordinance identifier (O‑26 or 0‑26) and cited the Feb. 12 hearing date. Calls included a mix of local homeowners, students and medical personnel; the recorded comments do not show a completed council vote.
The council’s staff packet, planning commission record and any written testimony will appear in the official record for the Feb. 12 hearing.
Representative caller quotes: "We want to save babies in our area, and please pass this amendment," said one caller who asked the council to restrict clinic locations. "If they are performing a legal service, you have no right to tell them where they can do it," said a resident opposing the proposal.
The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12; the council will consider testimony before any final action.
