The court’s ruling has put Trump and Republicans in a difficult situation.
Two individuals who advocate for the pro-life movement received prison sentences on Tuesday. The charges were related to their involvement in a “rescue action” at an abortion clinic in Washington, D.C. in 2020. The activists were accused of conspiracy against rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act).
Lauren Handy, aged 30, received a prison sentence of four years and nine months for orchestrating the protest. John Hinshaw, aged 69, who was also involved, was sentenced to a year and nine months. Alongside seven other individuals convicted on similar charges, Handy and Hinshaw obstructed access to the Washington Surgi-Clinic on October 22, 2020. They chained themselves to furniture inside the clinic, as detailed in the indictment.
The protest, which lasted for hours, was live-streamed on a Facebook account belonging to one of the demonstrators.
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Hinslaw revealed that their “crime” was attempting to halt the killing of late-term babies at the Santangelo abortion mill in Washington, D.C. Hinslaw emphasized the significance of these sentences, highlighting that peaceful civil disobedience has never before encountered such extreme legal measures from our federal law enforcement.
Pro-Life Activists Convicted of Conspiracy Charges for 2020 ‘Rescue Action’ at DC Clinic
During the jury trial last year, Handy and another co-defendant, Herb Geraghty, mentioned that their participation in the blockade was influenced by a video from the pro-life organization Live Action. The video, titled “Inhuman: Undercover in America’s Late-Term Abortion Industry,” played a role in shaping their decision.
In a video released ten years ago, Santangelo can be seen discussing a sensitive topic. He tells an undercover woman that if she were to go into labor and give birth before the “termination part of the procedure” is completed, they would not provide assistance.
In the October 2022 indictment, it was revealed that Handy, using a fake identity, successfully obtained an appointment at the clinic. Taking advantage of their disguise as a clinic staff member, pro-life activists seized the opportunity to storm the facility through the emergency stairwell. This sudden invasion sparked an altercation, ultimately leading to a clinic employee being hospitalized due to an ankle injury, as stated by prosecutors.
For a Louisiana lawmaker, excluding incest and rape from the state’s abortion ban hits close to home.
According to prosecutors, the pro-life activists were accused of violating the 1994 FACE Act, a federal law that prohibits the use of physical force, threats of force, or intentionally damaging property to prevent individuals from accessing or providing abortion services.
The defense lawyers have requested a one-year prison sentence for Handy, who has been in custody since her conviction in August 2023.
Steve Crampton, senior counsel at the Thomas Moore Society, described the moment when Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly read the “shocking” sentence as “a bit surreal” during an interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
Crampton, the representative for Handy in the case, expressed her dismay, stating, “This is not the America I know.” She criticized the judge for not only delivering a severe sentence but also for having the nerve to lecture Lauren Handy about her supposed lack of compassion for women seeking abortions.
Crampton drew a comparison between the demonstration by pro-life activists and the ongoing anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses.
“The contrast is striking when comparing the actions of the Pro-Palestine individuals who have been shutting down colleges, disrupting graduation ceremonies, and blocking highways and interstates, with the ongoing attacks. Surprisingly, there seem to be very few investigations taking place. It is hard to ignore the sense of selective prosecution in these cases.”
Former Pop Star Opens Up About Abortion Decision: ‘I Have a Grammy, but None of it Will Bring My Children Back’
In a recent interview, a former pop star bravely shared her deep regret over a past abortion. Despite achieving great success in her career, including winning a Grammy award, she expressed the profound loss she feels for the children she chose not to bring into the world.
The pop star, who remains anonymous, opened up about the emotional toll that her decision has taken on her life. She acknowledged that while she may have achieved fame and recognition in her career, none of it can fill the void left by the absence of her children.
She emphasized that her Grammy award and other accomplishments do not compare to the pain she experiences knowing that she will never have the opportunity to see her children grow and thrive. She spoke candidly about the regret and sorrow that have haunted her since making the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancies.
The pop star’s heartfelt confession serves as a powerful reminder of the complex emotions that can arise from the choice to have an abortion. It sheds light on the lasting impact that such a decision can have on individuals, even in the face of external success and recognition.
This brave revelation also highlights the importance of open and honest conversations surrounding abortion. It encourages a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of this deeply personal choice, and the potential long-term effects it can have on individuals.
The pop star’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success and accolades can never replace the love and connection we might have had with the lives we chose not to bring into the world. It invites a compassionate and empathetic approach to discussions about abortion, recognizing the depth of emotions that can accompany such decisions.
In sharing her story, the former pop star hopes to encourage others to consider the complexities of abortion and the potential impact it can have on one’s life. She wants to foster an environment of understanding and support, where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek healing.
While her Grammy award may symbolize her success in the music industry, it cannot heal the pain in her heart caused by the loss of her unborn children. Her courageous confession serves as a reminder that no amount of external achievements can ever replace the irreplaceable love and joy that might have been.
On Friday, June 24, 2022, a group of people gathered outside the Supreme Court in Washington to voice their opposition to abortion. Their demonstration sought to draw attention to their concerns and advocate for their beliefs on this contentious issue. The image captured by AP photographer Steve Helber showcases the power of collective action and the diverse perspectives surrounding the topic of abortion.
The judge made it clear to Handy that her punishment was a result of her actions, not her beliefs.
“The law should not protect violent or obstructive conduct,” emphasized Kollar-Kotelly.
Handy has been recommended a prison sentence of approximately six years by prosecutors. They have labeled her as an anti-abortion extremist and referred to her as a “criminal mastermind” behind the invasion of Washington and other clinics.
According to prosecutors, Handy’s unwavering anti-abortion beliefs motivated her to come up with a strategy to impede access to the Surgi-clinic. In their statement, they highlighted that this blockade, which Handy broadcasted to her numerous followers, not only encouraged others to commit similar offenses but also brought attention to her own actions, causing distress to the victims involved.
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