
President Donald Trump has pardoned 23 pro-life activists who were prosecuted under the Biden administration for their participation in protests against abortion clinics. The decision was announced ahead of the March for Life event in Washington, D.C., fulfilling Trump’s promise to correct what he called a miscarriage of justice.
"Should not have been prosecuted"
Trump pardons 23 pro-life activists charged under the FACE Act @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/Vk1SfHPpw6
— Nicole Silverio (@NicoleMSilverio) January 23, 2025
Trump condemned the prosecutions as politically motivated, stating that these individuals were punished for peacefully expressing their beliefs. He described the actions taken by the Biden Justice Department as an abuse of power that targeted Americans for standing up for life.
Congratulations to @MrsBevelynW on being pardoned by President Trump!
Bev never should have been jailed! The Biden regime prosecuted her & jailed her for PRAYING outside an abortion clinic.
May this sweet woman find peace and comfort with her family. pic.twitter.com/fVrBISrLPR
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 24, 2025
Among those granted clemency was Lauren Handy, who received a lengthy prison sentence after participating in a demonstration at a Washington, D.C. clinic. Prosecutors alleged that she and others had blocked clinic access, while supporters argued that their actions were part of their constitutional right to free speech.
Bevelyn Beatty Williams has just been pardoned by President Donald J. Trump. PRAISE THE LORD pic.twitter.com/AzISoDGoBr
— speaknsee (@speaknsee) January 23, 2025
The Thomas More Society, a legal advocacy group that represented many of the pardoned activists, praised Trump’s decision, calling it a victory for freedom of expression. They had previously submitted petitions requesting clemency on behalf of the activists, arguing that they were unfairly singled out while violent attacks on pro-life centers were ignored.
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas have introduced legislation to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, citing concerns over selective enforcement. They argue that the law has been misused to target peaceful pro-life demonstrators while failing to address violence against churches and pregnancy centers.
With the annual March for Life set to take place in Washington, the pardons serve as a significant win for the pro-life movement, reinforcing Trump’s commitment to defending those who advocate for the unborn.