
President Donald Trump has granted pardons to 23 pro-life activists who were convicted under the Biden administration’s enforcement of federal laws that critics argue unfairly targeted peaceful demonstrations outside abortion clinics. The decision, announced Thursday, follows through on Trump’s campaign promise to defend pro-life advocates from what he called “outrageous persecution.”
During the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump criticized the convictions, stating, “It’s ridiculous. These people should have never been prosecuted.” The pardons come just ahead of the March for Life event in Washington, D.C., an annual gathering of pro-life supporters that has become a significant event in the movement.
Among those receiving clemency is Lauren Handy, whose conviction stemmed from a demonstration at a Washington, D.C. clinic in 2020. Handy and several others were convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which they argued was being selectively enforced against pro-life activists while pro-abortion extremists faced little scrutiny.
"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
Pro-life legal advocacy group Thomas More Society, which defended several of the activists, welcomed the decision, stating that their clients were exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. The group had recently petitioned the White House for pardons, emphasizing what they called the “grossly unjust” sentences imposed on peaceful protesters.
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
Republican lawmakers have echoed Trump’s concerns, with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) leading efforts to repeal the FACE Act. They argue the law has been misused to target conservative activists while failing to address attacks on churches and pro-life organizations.
Bevelyn Beatty Williams has just been pardoned by President Donald J. Trump. PRAISE THE LORD pic.twitter.com/AzISoDGoBr
— speaknsee (@speaknsee) January 23, 2025
In addition to the pardons, Trump has signaled his administration will continue efforts to support the pro-life movement and ensure no future administration can use federal laws to target peaceful demonstrators unfairly.