Key Takeaways:
– A judge suspends the sentencing of seven pro-life activists charged under the FACE Act.
– Defendants allegedly conspired to block access to reproductive health services at a Michigan clinic.
– The sentencing has been delayed until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
– The FACE Act is a law that penalizes obstruction of access to reproductive health services.
Activists Await Trump Presidency for Easing Sentencing
In an unexpected twist, Michigan Federal Judge Mathew Leitman has delayed the sentencing of seven pro-life activists. The group were found guilty of federal charges in a case that caught the attention of both the public and the Biden administration this past summer. However, things are about to change as the pendulum swings towards a Trump presidency.
The activists, namely Joel Curry, Eva Edl, Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Justin Phillips, Calvin Zastrow, and Eva Zastrow now have a stay of execution—of sorts. The replication of their case hinges on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, known as the FACE Act, and felony conspiracy charges. Sentencing under this act has been delayed until President-elect Donald Trump is in office.
Understanding the FACE Act
The FACE Act is a law enacted in 1994 under former President Bill Clinton. It penalizes any actions or threats that interfere, hurt, or intimidate anyone seeking to receive or provide reproductive health services. Violators can be hit with heavy fines and penalties.
The act gained prominence when the pro-life group, Operation Rescue, used non-violent protests inspired by the Civil Rights movement in a bid to close abortion facilities.
The Pro-life Activists’ Case
The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that the seven pro-life activists conspired to prevent a clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, from offering its services on August 27, 2020. Specifically, the DOJ says the defendants “intimidated and interfered” with the clinic’s operations and the patients it served by physically obstructing access, thus violating the FACE Act.
During the incident, one of the defendants, Gallagher, reportedly promoted the blockade on social media and live-streamed the event with Curry. The culprits converged near the clinic and physically impeded access to the building.
Convictions Handed Down
The six were found guilty in summer 2025 for conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offense related to the barricade of Northland Family Planning Clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan. With additional offenses respectively, Eva Edl, and Heather Idoni were convicted of a second FACE Act offense arising from a similar blockade at a clinic in Saginaw, Michigan.
The Biden administration had been leading the charge in prosecuting the activists with extensive sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment and hefty financial penalties. However, the latest twist in the courtroom drama could change their fate, as President-elect Donald Trump is showing signs of pardoning pro-life activists sentenced under these strict federal laws.
Sentencing Delayed
The sentencing process has been put on hold due to pending motions from the defense seeking dismissal of the convictions. Judge Mathew Leitman has not yet issued a ruling on these motions, causing a delay in the sentencing process.
A court document indicates that an additional status conference is set for the week of March 24, 2025, to discuss any changes in the prosecution team’s position. If there are any developments before the conference date, the court will convene an earlier meeting. This suggests that if the Trump administration provides a clear stance on the issue, it may be addressed sooner.
In all, the fate of the seven pro-life activists now hinges on how swiftly the Trump administration will act. Their hopes are tied to the presidency’s softer stance on pro-life activism and the possibility of pardons that could avert their sentencing under the harsh federal laws.