Bill to Repeal FACE Act Passes Committee
Normally, peaceful occupation of a building would, at most, result in a trespass charge. But if that building is an abortion center, protestors can face years in federal prison. That disparity is thanks to the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a gift to the abortion industry passed under the Clinton administration.
The FACE Act criminalizes peaceful pro-life civil disobedience, commonly known as rescue. The FACE Act is not directed to violent actions — which are, of course, already illegal under various state and federal laws. Rather, it imposes onerous penalties on people who, for example, block employee entrances or chain themselves to chairs. FACE wasn’t enacted because these pro-life tactics were violent; it was enacted because these tactics were effective.
The second Trump administration pardoned numerous pro-life rescuers from prison (including Herb Geraghty, who now serves as SPL’s Chief Communications Officer). It also instructed the Department of Justice to halt FACE Act prosecutions. But the FACE Act remains on the books, ready for abuse by future pro-abortion governments.
For years, our friends at Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) have worked to make repeal of the FACE Act a pro-life priority. Those efforts are finally paying off. The FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025 is gaining steam, with 38 co-sponsors in the House and support from numerous high-profile organizations. And yesterday, the House Judiciary Committee voted 13-10 in favor of repeal!
The work is not done, of course. The bill still needs to make its way through a full vote in the House and Senate. But we are closer than ever to restoring justice for unborn children and their defenders, and that is worth celebrating!
If you appreciate our work and would like to help, one of the most effective ways to do so is to become a monthly donor. You can also give a one time donation here or volunteer with us here.
