Call for Clemency: Jailed Pro-Life Activists Stir Abortion Debate

Prolife march with large banner and signs

Pro-life activists face potential pardons as Trump considers clemency for those prosecuted under Biden administration.

At a Glance

  • Thomas More Society requests pardons for 21 pro-life advocates convicted under FACE Act
  • Trump urged to address alleged DOJ misuse of FACE Act and government overreach
  • Activists include diverse group of grandparents, pastors, and a Holocaust survivor
  • Biden administration accused of selectively enforcing laws against pro-life demonstrators
  • Over 90 pro-life centers targeted, with only three prosecutions by Justice Department

Pro-Life Advocates Seek Presidential Pardons

The Thomas More Society, a conservative law firm, has formally requested presidential pardons for 21 pro-life advocates who were prosecuted by the Biden administration’s Department of Justice. These individuals, convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and “Conspiracy Against Rights” statute, face potential clemency as President-elect Trump considers their cases.

The pardon request package, submitted by Thomas More Society attorneys, includes individual appeals for each advocate, detailing their cases and character. The group of activists represents a diverse cross-section of society, including grandparents, pastors, a Holocaust survivor, and a Catholic priest.

Claims of Unjust Prosecution and Selective Enforcement

Steve Crampton, Thomas More Society Senior Counsel, emphasizes the need to address what they perceive as injustices and restore trust in the constitutional order. The organization argues that these individuals were unfairly targeted for their pro-life stance and peaceful protests.

“With these requests for presidential pardons for 21 peaceful pro-life advocates, we urge President Trump to right the grievous wrongs of the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Department of Justice,” said Crampton.

The petition criticizes the Department of Justice for allegedly ignoring attacks on pro-life churches and pregnancy centers while disproportionately targeting pro-life activists. According to the Thomas More Society, over 90 pro-life centers have been targeted, with only three prosecutions by the Justice Department.

Sentences and Controversy

Among the convicted activists, Lauren Handy received the longest sentence of four years and nine months, while Bevelyn Beatty Williams was sentenced to three years and five months for their protests. Several elderly activists also received multi-year sentences, sparking debate about the appropriateness of such punishments for non-violent demonstrations.

“These peaceful pro-life Americans mistreated by [President Joe] Biden include grandparents, pastors, a Holocaust survivor, and a Catholic priest — all are selfless, sincere patriots,” wrote Crampton in a statement.

The FACE Act, which penalizes obstructing access to abortion clinics, has been a point of contention. Critics argue that while it should apply equally to those obstructing pro-life pregnancy centers, the Biden administration has pursued significantly more cases against pro-life demonstrators than those targeting pro-life facilities.

Trump’s Potential Response

President Trump has previously indicated his intent to review and potentially pardon pro-life advocates prosecuted during the Biden administration. Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President, highlights this as an opportunity for Trump to address the alleged misuse of the FACE Act and government overreach.

“By acting on the requested presidential pardons, President Trump has a golden opportunity to not only stop the lawfare against peaceful pro-lifers, but to also undo some of the unprecedented damage of the Biden administration,” said Breen.

The request for pardons follows Biden’s commutation of sentences for 37 federal death row inmates and 1,500 others, as well as issuing 40 pardons, including one for his son, Hunter Biden. Notably, none of the pro-life activists were included in Biden’s pardons or commutations.

Implications for Future Activism and Legal Landscape

This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between different ideological perspectives on abortion rights and the role of activism within legal boundaries. The outcome of these pardon requests could have significant implications for future pro-life demonstrations and the enforcement of laws related to clinic access and protest rights.

As the nation continues to grapple with the complex issues surrounding reproductive rights and freedom of expression, the decision on these pardons will be closely watched by activists, legal experts, and citizens on both sides of the abortion debate.