Elderly Pro-Life Women Face 11 Years Jail Time for Protest at Abortion Clinic
The U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecuted three pro-life activists for a protest they held at an abortion clinic in Washington, D.C. These activists have now been convicted of federal crimes and are facing over a decade in federal prison.
The DOJ announced on Friday that a federal jury convicted Jonathan Darnel, (41) Jean Marshall, (73) and Joan Andrews Bell (74) each of “a felony conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offense.”
“The defendants each face up to a maximum of 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $350,000,” the DOJ said.
U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly – who is far-left and pro-abortion – ordered the three activists be immediately detained. They now await sentencing.
The FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) prohibits anyone from obstructing or interfering with any person “obtaining or providing reproductive health services.”
The three activists were arrested for their protest at an abortion clinic in Washington, D.C. on October 22, 2020. The DOJ says that the activists “engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services.”
Marshall and Bell “forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains and rope,” the DOJ said. But Darnel remained outside the clinic to livestream the protest on social media.
Pro-life advocate Lila Rose tweeted about their conviction:
Biden’s DOJ has convicted a 74-year-old wife & mother and thrown her in prison, where she will likely spend the rest of her life.
Her crime: Protecting defenseless babies from being killed.
[Thread] pic.twitter.com/Q25h8eNLSQ
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) September 18, 2023
“For 50 years, [Joan] has peacefully protested the violence of abortion through sit-ins and rescue missions,” Rose tweeted, “She’s been arrested over 200 times and spent more than 6 years in jail for her peaceful activism.”
Rose said that Joan and her husband Chris have helped 8,000 women – many of whom are facing homelessness and single motherhood – find help through their ministry Good Counsel Homes.
Joan and Chris’ own home has also been a place of love for the often overlooked and abandoned.
They have seven beautiful children, six of whom are adopted with special needs, including one from a mother who changed her mind before an abortion appointment. pic.twitter.com/W2YWbluuw3
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) September 18, 2023
“At the age of 74, Joan is facing up to a decade in prison for protesting the slaughter of babies old enough to survive outside of the womb and a man who admitted on camera his willingness to commit infanticide,” Rose added, “In the face of this injustice, Joan has simply stated: ‘I’m humbled by the privilege to suffer … imprisonment for the little babies.’”
According to reporter Tyler Arnold, after the jury’s verdict, “Joan Bell’s children were in the audience shaking and crying,” adding,
Joan took off her red shirt to reveal a bright yellow shirt with the words “Pro Life” written on it. Jonathan Darnel gave a wave before being escorted out.
Jean Marshall brought a doctor’s note saying that she was scheduled for a hip replacement but the judge refused to keep her under house arrest and all were taken away. Chris Bell [Joan’s husband] teared up as he went to his car.
The DOJ has been aggressively prosecuting pro-life supporters in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Just last month, the Daily Citizen reported that five other pro-life supporters were immediately taken into custody after being found guilty of violating the heavily punitive FACE Act. They also face up to 11 years in federal prison.
At the same time, the DOJ has done practically nothing to prosecute the individuals who have perpetrated dozens of destructive attacks on Catholic churches and pregnancy resource centers by pro-abortion activists.
A one-sided, weaponized DOJ is a frightening prospect – but it’s a reality we face today nonetheless.
Will you please pray for justice to be done in this case, and for peace and perseverance for Jonathan Darnel, Jean Marshall and Joan Andrews Bell?
If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and want to learn more about your options, visit My Choice Network.
Focus on the Family offers a free, one-time counseling consultation with a licensed or pastoral counselor. To request a counseling consultation, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) or fill out our Counseling Consultation Request Form.
Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
Dealing With Unplanned Pregnancy
Five Pro-Life Supporters Found Guilty of Violating FACE Act for Protest at Abortion Clinic
Photo from YouTube.
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