Official announcements from the White House or Department of Justice

On Eve of March for Life, Trump Pardons 23 Pro-Life Activists Prosecuted Under FACE Act

Jan 23, 2025, 08:46 PM

The day before the 52nd annual March for Life, President Donald Trump pardoned 23 pro-life activists who were prosecuted under the Biden administration's Department of Justice for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The activists were convicted for participating in protests at or near abortion clinics. Among those pardoned are Lauren Handy, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison; John Hinshaw (21 months); Jonathan Darnell (34 months); and elderly activists Joan Bell (18 months) and Jean Marshall (24 months). The pardons come after calls from pro-life groups and politicians, including Senator Josh Hawley and Representative Andy Biggs, who urged the president to address what they consider unjust prosecutions. President Trump stated that these individuals "should not have been prosecuted" and called the prosecutions "ridiculous." The action fulfills a campaign promise to tackle political prosecutions and has been praised by pro-life advocates ahead of the major March for Life event in Washington, D.C.