President Donald Trump has issued pardons for nearly two dozen pro-life activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, sparking renewed debate over the federal law’s enforcement.
Among those pardoned was Bevelyn Beatty Williams, a 33-year-old mother sentenced to over three years in prison for blocking access to an abortion clinic and allegedly injuring a worker during a protest.
Williams, who gained national attention for her activism, described her sentencing as excessive and framed her conviction as a punishment for her Christian beliefs.
“I was persecuted as a Christian standing for my beliefs when it comes to life,” she stated on her fundraising page. “This is devastating news. Not only is this bond extensive for the accused crime, but [the judge] made it very clear in the courtroom that she was going to make an example out of me.”
A Department of Justice press release detailed that Williams’ actions, including a livestreamed video, involved threats and physical obstruction at the clinic.
In the video, Williams reportedly stood inches from a clinic official and declared her intent to “terrorize this place” and “make their business over.”
These actions were cited as violations of the FACE Act, which prohibits the use of force, threats, or physical obstruction to interfere with access to reproductive health services or places of worship.
PRAISE GOD! President Trump plans to pardon the pro-life activists who were imprisoned by the Biden regime.
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 23, 2025
Bevelyn Beatty Williams is going home
pic.twitter.com/tiApkOEkgm
Trump announced the pardons during a ceremony in the Oval Office, stressing his support for the activists.
“Twenty-three people were prosecuted who should not have been prosecuted. Many of them are elderly people. They should not have been prosecuted,” he said. “This is a great honor to sign this.”
The list of pardoned activists includes other notable names such as Lauren Handy, sentenced to five years, John Hinshaw (21 months), and Heather Idoni (24 months). A video of Williams’ emotional reunion with her husband following her release has since gone viral.
The FACE Act, signed into law in 1994, was designed to protect access to reproductive health services and places of worship. While the law applies broadly, critics argue its enforcement under Democratic administrations disproportionately targets pro-life activists. During his presidency, Biden’s administration pursued several high-profile cases, leading to convictions and prison sentences for individuals involved in clinic blockades and protests.
Trump previously criticized the Biden administration’s handling of these cases, stating during a Faith and Freedom Coalition speech in June, “Many people are in jail over this. We’re going to get that taken care of immediately—[first] day.”
Supporters of the pardons, including conservative lawmakers, have framed the move as a correction of perceived injustices.
“Biden prosecuted pro-lifers—including an 89-year-old concentration camp survivor—for singing hymns in a clinic hallway,” tweeted Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). “And then Biden turned around & handed out pardons for criminal murderers on his last day in office. President Trump can & should right these wrongs.”
While celebrated by conservatives and pro-life groups, the pardons have reignited debates over the FACE Act’s application and the broader conflict between reproductive rights and religious freedom.
