New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed into law a bill that pro-life advocates warn will criminalize praying outside abortion clinics. The law makes it a crime to physically block access to facilities offering such care or intentionally intimidate people away from them. Penalties can reach five years in prison if the obstruction causes serious bodily harm. Violators can also face civil lawsuits, with successful plaintiffs eligible for at least $1,000 per violation, attorney’s fees and potentially punitive damages. “Peaceful sidewalk counseling, prayer, holding signs, or simply offering help and alternatives outside a facility can easily be labeled “intimidation” by someone who claims to feel threatened, leaving pro-life advocates open to criminal charges that are difficult to disprove and chilling constitutionally protected expression," New Jersey Right To Life said in a statement condemning the measure.