The U.S. Department of Justice announced on May 31 that Paula Paulette Harlow, 75, of Kingston, Massachusetts was sentenced to 24 months in prison for her role in a protest at a notorious abortion clinic in Washington, D.C.
Harlow becomes the 10th pro-life supporter sentenced to months – or years – in federal prison by radical, far-left U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.
According to the DOJ, Harlow was sentenced “for her role in a conspiracy that created a blockade at a Washington, D.C. reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services.”
The DOJ added:
Harlow is the 10th member of the conspiracy to be sentenced on charges of civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations.
Harlow is reportedly not in good health, and her husband fears she may die in prison while serving her two-year sentence. As a result, Harlow’s husband purportedly asked Judge Kollar-Kotelly for mercy on her behalf during his wife’s sentencing.
Not only did Judge Kollar-Kotelly refuse to show Harlow leniency, she also coldly remarked that Harlow should “make an effort to remain alive” since it’s a “tenant of [her] religion.”
Such a cold, cruel and callous remark coming from one of our nation’s federal judges is deeply disturbing.
The prison sentences stem from a protest at the Washington Surgi-Clinic on Oct. 22, 2020.
As we’ve previously reported, the ten activists used chains, ropes and bike locks to tie themselves together, using their bodies to block access to the clinic. They were attempting to prevent the clinic from performing abortions that day.
The activists were concerned that the clinic’s abortionist, Cesare Santangelo, was likely violating the Born Alive Infant Protection Act by refusing to provide life-saving care to infants born alive after a failed abortion, and/or the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. The remains of several later-term aborted babies were discovered by one of the ten activists, supporting their claims.
The U.S. Department of Justice has been prosecuting pro-life supporters under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act under 18 U.S. Code § 248 which says:
[Whoever] by force or threat of force or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person because that person is or has been, or in order to intimidate such person or any other person or any class of persons from, obtaining or providing reproductive health services [violates federal law].
Several federal lawmakers have introduced a bill to repeal the “unconstitutional” FACE Act.
They point out that while the DOJ has used the law to go after pro-life supporters, it has ignored the over 400 attacks on Catholic churches and pregnancy resource centers. In response to those attacks, zero FACE Act cases have been opened.
Such a double standard within our judicial system is a frightening reality – but it’s a reality we face, nonetheless.
Please pray for Paula Harlow and her family. Pray also for the restoration of an impartial, unbiased and just judicial system in the United States.
Consider getting involved by contacting your congressional representative and letting him or her know you support repealing the FACE Act. Encourage them to join Sen. Mike Lee’s and Rep. Chip Roy’s efforts to repeal the FACE Act.
If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and want to learn more about your options, visit My Choice Network.
Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
Dealing With Unplanned Pregnancy
Pro-Life Grandmother Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Abortion Clinic Protest
Four More Pro-Life Supporters Sentenced to Months in Prison for Abortion Clinic Protest
Alleged Criminal Abortionist Goes Free While Pro-Life Activists Sentenced to Prison
Six Pro-Life Supporters Found Guilty, Face 11 Years in Prison for Peaceful Abortion Clinic Protest
