We’re living in extraordinary times, and today, we’re diving into a story that’s making waves across the nation.
The Department of Justice, under President Joe Biden, has been aggressively prosecuting pro-life activists, including elderly grandparents, under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
Heather Idoni, a 59-year-old grandmother, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for her activism in October 2020. She has already spent nine months behind bars, enduring harsh conditions. Idoni and her fellow activists used chains, bike locks, and furniture to protest and block access to abortion clinics peacefully.
These tactics have been common in activism for decades. However, the treatment Idoni has faced in prison has been far from peaceful. She’s suffered poor health, extended solitary confinement, and even had a stroke. Despite these hardships, Idoni remains resilient, her spirit unbroken.
In a recent hearing, Idoni shackled like a violent offender, expressed her unwavering faith. “My body will be taken and imprisoned, but my soul and my spirit belong to the Lord and cannot be imprisoned,” she told the court. Idoni will be on probation for three years after her release and will be prohibited from coming within 1000 feet of any abortion facility. Unlike her co-defendants, she will also undergo drug testing during her probation.
Another case that’s drawn significant attention is that of Paulette Harlow, a 75-year-old grandmother in declining health. Harlow was sentenced to 24 months in prison last Friday. Her case has been particularly controversial due to the perceived callousness of Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who seemed indifferent to Harlow’s health issues.
Harlow’s husband, John, made a heartfelt plea, expressing his deep concern for his wife’s wellbeing and offering to take her place in prison. Despite these emotional appeals, the judge and prosecutor Rebecca Ross were dismissive, accusing Harlow of using her health as an excuse.
The sentencing was passed by Judge Kollar-Kotelly. After Harlow’s husband begged for mercy, expressing his fear that his wife would die alone in prison, the judge taunted that maybe Harlow would “make an effort to remain alive” because that is a “tenet of [Harlow’s] religion.” pic.twitter.com/Bs4xwiycJh
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) June 3, 2024
Harlow will remain on house arrest until a suitable federal facility is found for her care. Like Idoni, she will be forbidden from approaching abortion facilities during her supervised release. The harsh sentencing and treatment of Harlow have sparked significant backlash on social media, drawing attention from public figures and lawmakers like Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee, who have introduced a bill to repeal the FACE Act.
The charge against Paulette Harlow was a violation of the FACE Act, as she and her companions were blocking the entrance to the baby murder facility as they prayed. Blocking entrances has always been a common form or protest for PETA, Pro-Palestine, BLM, Climate Change, and Trans…
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) June 3, 2024
Another notable case involves Jonathan Darnel, a 42-year-old Iraq War veteran sentenced to 34 months in federal prison. These activists were protesting at Cesare Santangelo’s abortion clinic in Washington, DC. Santangelo’s practices have raised serious ethical concerns, including potential violations of the Born Alive Infants Protection Act and Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. Undercover investigations revealed that women were required to be drugged before meeting Santangelo.
These cases highlight the deepening divide in our nation and the controversial use of the justice system. As we navigate these turbulent times, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged. The treatment of these pro-life activists raises important questions about justice, compassion, and the right to peaceful protest.
