Elderly Pro-Life Women Convicted for Protesting at DC Abortion Clinic
Pro-Life Women in Their 70s Found Guilty of Felony After Protesting at DC Abortion Clinic
Three courageous pro-life advocates, including two elderly women, have been convicted in federal court for exercising their First Amendment rights. Joan Bell, Jean Marshall, and Jonathan Darnel now face the possibility of more than a decade in prison and a hefty $350,000 fine.
A federal jury found them guilty of felony conspiracy against rights and violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, also known as the FACE Act. This is part of a larger assault on pro-lifers by the Biden administration.
The Biden administration wasted no time in targeting pro-life activists, and last year, they began a series of arrests. At the heart of their campaign against the First Amendment rights of pro-lifers is the FACE Act, a law that imposes harsh penalties on those who supposedly obstruct or accost women seeking abortions.
The Department of Justice accused the three activists of conspiring to create a “blockade” at an abortion clinic in Washington D.C. According to evidence presented at trial, Marshall and Bell forcefully entered the clinic and used their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes to block two clinic doors. Meanwhile, Darnel live-streamed their activities on social media.
The verdict devastated supporters of the three activists. With a maximum sentence of 11 years each, these women could potentially spend the rest of their lives in prison for their pro-life beliefs.
After the verdict was rendered, Joan Bell made a powerful statement by removing her red shirt to reveal a bright yellow shirt with the words “Pro Life” written on it. Jonathan Darnel gave a wave before being escorted out. Jean Marshall, who had a doctor’s note stating she was scheduled for a hip replacement, was denied house arrest and taken away with the others.
While these activists await sentencing, it is important to note that the Biden administration has treated pro-lifers worse than actual terrorists. Late last year, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson criticized the administration for raiding the home of pro-life activist Paul Vaughn, comparing it to the lack of action against leftists who have fire-bombed pro-life pregnancy crisis centers across the country.
Since May of 2022, there have been nearly 90 incidents of attacks on Christian-led pregnancy crisis centers, coinciding with the leak of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs case that overturned Roe v. Wade. Despite this violence, the DOJ and FBI have focused their attention on peaceful pro-life protesters.
This blatant disregard for the law and the targeting of Christians and pro-lifers reveals that Joe Biden’s notion of “justice” is driven by a radical, left-wing political agenda. It is a sad day for freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest.
Source: The Western Journal
According to the defendants, what was their intention behind protesting at the clinic and how did they believe they were supporting women?
According to the prosecution, the protesters attempted to prevent women from entering the clinic and verbally harassed them. However, the testimony of Bell, Marshall, and Darnel painted a different picture.
They maintained that they were peacefully exercising their right to protest and peacefully speak out against the horrors of abortion. They asserted that their intent was never to obstruct or harass, but rather to educate and provide support to women who may be considering an abortion.
The actions of these pro-life women are not indicative of radicalism or hatred, as the prosecution would have the public believe. Instead, they are the actions of individuals who deeply value human life and are dedicated to advocating for the rights of the unborn.
It is a sad day when elderly women who have dedicated their lives to the cause of protecting innocent lives are treated as criminals. Joan Bell, Jean Marshall, and Jonathan Darnel are not criminals; they are heroes. They put their own freedom and well-being on the line to fight for what they believe in.
Their conviction not only sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of free speech, but it also sends a chilling message to others who may consider speaking out against abortion. It sends a message that dissenting voices will not be tolerated and that the government will go to great lengths to silence them.
The targeting of these pro-life advocates is just one example of the Biden administration’s assault on the rights of those who hold pro-life views. From attempting to codify Roe v. Wade into law to rescinding the Mexico City Policy, the current administration has made it clear that they have little regard for the sanctity of life.
It is important that Americans stand up and demand justice for Joan Bell, Jean Marshall, and Jonathan Darnel. Their case must be appealed, and their conviction overturned. The right to peacefully protest and speak out against abortion is a fundamental part of our democracy, and it must be protected.
Furthermore, we must continue to support and stand alongside pro-life advocates who dedicate their lives to protecting the unborn. These individuals should be commended for their bravery and commitment to defending the most vulnerable among us.
In a society that claims to value diversity and inclusivity, it is disheartening to see pro-life women in their 70s facing such harsh penalties for exercising their First Amendment rights. We must not allow the voices of those who advocate for the sanctity of life to be silenced. Our freedom depends on it.
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