Truth, Without Compromise
August 9 begins the trial for 10 people indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The legislation, which was approved by Congress in 1994, has been little used in its nearly 30 years, until a recent spate of arrests. Among those charged are Lauren Handy, Joan Bell, and Herb Geraghty. Each of the defendants faces up to 11 years in prison if convicted.
Each of these people acted in a manner that was, for them, justified in defense of unborn children. This trial is one in a series of FACE Act arrests and prosecutions by the DOJ that many who advocate for the defense of human life would argue is an overt effort to intimidate and coerce people involved in so-called abortion rescue actions. As may be expected, the case is drawing much attention due to its politically charged focus.
Lauren Handy is among a group of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) members facing trial. In April 2022, she recovered the remains of 115 aborted babies at a Washington, DC, abortion facility from a “medical waste” disposal company, assigned each baby a name, and asked a priest to provide them with a funeral. PAAU plans rallies in support throughout the trial in DC.
Joan Bell is among the best-known abortion rescuers in America. For decades, she’s been involved in demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience in defense of the unborn. Arrest and trial are common experiences for Joan, though she is undaunted in her determination to stop abortions. I was present at Joan’s emotional first meeting with Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade), shortly following Norma’s conversion to Christianity.
Herb Geraghty is executive director of Rehumanize International and is also a defendant after being arrested in a rescue action. Herb’s zeal for defending life and promoting justice was clearly expressed at the American Solidarity Party convention in June with a talk titled Radical Inclusivity: Every Human Standing for Every Human.
Although I have participated in national Marches for Life in the USA and Canada as well as other state and local pro-life demonstrations, I’ve never had the ambition to join a rescue action. Others, like those on trial, feel compelled to defend the unborn more directly. For some in the pro-life movement, the notion of doing so is frightening; for others, it may be objectionable. One thing is sure: it’s disruptive to the abortion business.
The people noted above, and seven others, are facing serious federal charges. The FACE Act was passed while Roe v. Wade was still in effect. As a result of Roe’s repeal, however, there is no federal constitutional right to abortion. Some posit that there is no further justification for the FACE Act. Instead, the DOJ has increased its enforcement. Despite the acquittal of pro-life activist Mark Houck on FACE charges earlier this year, the trial will proceed.
The defendants in this case share the ASP view that human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception. They deserve our support and solidarity. While they are personally on trial, the collective view we share, recognizing human life in the womb as deserving of dignity and preservation, is also on trial.
Abortion is the most contentious of issues, but human life must never be compromised. Upon embarking on my presidential campaign, one of my most respected advisors provided me with succinct and impactful direction: "Continue to speak the truth in love!"
The ASP upholds the right to life of every human being from conception until natural death. I stand with these 10 defendants. Please join me in praying for them, along with everyone involved in the trial. Speak publicly, but with civility, for justice at every opportunity, particularly the defense of innocent human life. Remain courageous and persevere in the cause. Let’s advance human life and human dignity in every thought and action and encourage those who act morally in their defense.
