Trump Issues Pardons For 23 Pro-Life Activists Prosecuted Under Biden Administration

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.

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.

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.

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.