Wanting to ensure women's access to abortion clinics, Democrats approved the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act about 30 years ago. Then-President Bill Clinton signed it into law in 1994, making it a federal crime to physically obstruct the entrance to a clinic or to use force, the threat of force, or physical obstruction that interferes with medical staff, volunteers, and clinic patients.
Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League points out that until recently, the law was used for few indictments.
"But Joe Biden has come in, and he's revived this thing," the pro-lifer observes. "He is using it to intimidate and attack the pro-life movement every opportunity that he has."
In fact, about two dozen pro-life sidewalk counselors have been indicted under Biden's rule. Earlier this month, three were sent to jail for a maximum 11 years. Two of them are over 70 years old.
As AFN recently reported, Congressman Chip Roy (R-Texas) has responded by introducing the FACE Act Repeal Act of 2023. The bill so far has the support of 24 co-signers and public support from major pro-life organizations.
"I have pro-life activists calling me from all over the country saying, 'Eric, am I about to get arrested for sidewalk counseling?'" Scheidler shares. "That's exactly what Biden wants. He wants to intimidate us and cow us with this type of strongarm tactic."
He says Roy's proposal might pass the House but will be fought vigorously in the Senate. Regardless, the pro-lifer expects most prayer warriors will continue their efforts to save the lives of preborn babies.
A battle of Whits
Meanwhile in The Wolverine State, Genevieve Marnon of Right to Life of Michigan says her extremist governor appears to have crossed a line. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has introduced a plan to overturn virtually all state laws that limit abortion and protect the safety and health of pregnant women.
"Representative Karen Whitsett from Detroit is opposing the bills for various reasons," Marnon reports. "[It's] not because she's pro-life; she actually supports abortion. But she thinks that if you're going to have an abortion, you ought to have a licensed clinic, and you should have 24 hours to think about your decision, and we shouldn't be paying for it with Medicaid dollars."
And Whitsett does not appear to be the only Democrat concerned about how extreme Whitmer's proposal is. In fact, the state representative recently told a local talk radio station that she is one of seven state Democrats who oppose the bill package.
"So if it goes to the full House in the form that it's in, and it doesn't get amended, and all the Republicans vote against this bill package, and Karen Whitsett also votes against the bill package, it's dead on arrival," Marnon explains. "It would be a 55-55."
Michigan's House cannot approve any legislation without a majority vote.
