Is the federal government weaponizing laws against pro-life advocates? Republicans in Congress are now pushing to eliminate a Clinton-era law they claim has been abused by the Biden administration to target peaceful protesters standing up for the unborn.
At a glance:
• More than 20 House Republicans support a bill to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act
• Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) leads the effort, claiming 97% of FACE Act prosecutions target pro-life activists
• The Biden administration has aggressively used the law since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022
• Pro-life organizations including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Family Research Council support the repeal
• Despite Republican control of Congress and the White House, some GOP lawmakers hesitate to advance the bill
Republicans Move to Dismantle ‘Weaponized’ Law
Republicans in the House of Representatives are taking aim at a weaponized legal tool used to target pro-life Americans. Led by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, more than 20 House Republicans are supporting legislation to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a 1994 law that makes it a federal crime to use threats, obstruction, or property damage to interfere with reproductive health services. Republicans argue it is disproportionately used to intimidate pro-life activists across the country.
The legislation comes after years of selective enforcement against pro-lifers, while attacks on pregnancy resource centers have gone largely unprosecuted. According to data cited by supporters of the repeal, 97% of all FACE Act prosecutions over the last two decades have targeted abortion opponents.
The controversial law has been under intense scrutiny since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Following that landmark decision, the Biden Justice Department dramatically increased prosecutions against pro-life activists, including headline-grabbing pre-dawn SWAT raids against peaceful protesters and elderly demonstrators.
Pro-Life Coalition Demands Action
A powerful coalition of conservative organizations is rallying behind the repeal effort, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Family Research Council, Students For Life Action, and The Thomas More Society. In a strongly worded letter to the House Judiciary Committee, the groups demanded immediate action on Roy’s repeal bill.
“Since its creation, 97 percent of all FACE Act cases have been brought against pro-life Americans,” the coalition letter notes. The organizations praised President Trump’s pardons of pro-life activists prosecuted under the law but insist more permanent action is needed.
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The Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee has joined the chorus of organizations pushing for repeal. In a statement, the group also noted the unfair targeting of pro-life Americans, citing “early morning SWAT raids” and “unjust prison sentences” against individuals they describe as simply “protecting unborn human beings.”
Internal GOP Resistance Creates Tension
Despite Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House, the repeal effort faces roadblocks from within the party. Some Republican lawmakers reportedly fear political backlash if they move forward with eliminating a law framed by opponents as protecting access to health services.
The growing frustration has led Rep. Roy to threaten extraordinary measures to force action. “If my Republican colleagues continue to refuse to bring the FACE Act up for a vote in committee or the floor, I will file a discharge petition, and I will start to try to move the bill, irrespective of the normal procedures,” Roy declared.
Supporters of the repeal argue that existing state and local laws already address criminal actions like trespassing, property damage, and assault, making the FACE Act redundant and unnecessary.
