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DC Pro-Life ‘Rescuers’ Await Verdict from Federal Jury

The Fate of ​Five Defendants in⁢ Abortion Clinic Obstruction Case Now⁣ in the Hands of Jury

The fate of ​five‍ individuals accused⁣ of conspiring to obstruct ​access to an abortion clinic in Washington,‌ D.C. is now⁢ in the hands of a‌ federal jury. The prosecution and​ defense recently concluded their respective ​cases in federal court, and​ the‍ jury began deliberations after closing arguments.

If ‍convicted, each defendant could face up to 11 years​ in prison.

Deliberations to⁤ Resume

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District ⁤Court for the District⁤ of​ Columbia sent the jurors home on August 25th after they began‌ deliberations. They are scheduled to resume their deliberations on August 29th.

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The defendants are charged with “conspiracy⁤ against rights” ⁣and conspiracy ⁤under section 248 of Title 18 ⁢of the United States Code, which is part of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

According to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) summary, section 248 states that it is “unlawful for⁣ a person to​ use force, the threat of force, or physical⁣ obstruction to intentionally injure or intimidate a person because he or‍ she ‌is or has ⁤been obtaining or providing reproductive health services.”

The FACE Act has faced‍ criticism from federal lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy ⁤(R-Texas), who claims that the Biden ⁤administration selectively⁤ enforces the law.

Lauren Handy of Virginia and nine other defendants were indicted ⁣in 2022 for conspiring to obstruct access to the⁢ Washington Surgi-Clinic, which provides abortions. The indictment alleges⁢ that their​ purpose was⁣ to create a blockade to prevent the clinic from providing reproductive health services.

Some in the pro-life movement refer to this type of direct-action tactic as a⁤ “rescue” because it aims to save unborn ⁤lives.

The DOJ stated​ that as part of the⁣ conspiracy,⁣ seven defendants traveled to Washington, D.C. from various states to participate in a clinic blockade. ​Eight of the defendants forcefully ‍entered⁢ the clinic and used⁣ their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes to ⁤block two​ clinic doors.

Nine defendants allegedly violated the FACE Act​ by using physical obstruction to intimidate and interfere with clinic employees and a patient seeking reproductive health services.

If convicted, each ‍defendant could ‌face a maximum sentence of ⁢11 years in⁣ prison, three⁤ years of supervised release, and a fine of up⁣ to $350,000.

Ms. Handy and four other co-defendants—Herb Geraghty, Heather Idoni, William Goodman, and John Hinshaw—are currently on trial in⁢ Washington, D.C.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly ruled on August 7th ‍that ⁢the defendants may not claim in​ their defense that they took action to ‌protect others from bodily harm. She stated that without the imminent ​threat of greater ‌harm ⁣or serious bodily injury, a defense of⁤ duress or necessity⁤ is not available.

Ms. Handy, the director of activism ⁣for Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, has expressed‌ her beliefs and motivations for her actions. Her attorney, Martin A. Cannon, remains cautiously optimistic‍ about ​the outcome of the trial.

As the trial continues, the⁣ defense emphasizes that each defendant should be evaluated individually based on the evidence presented.



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