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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