What is the FACE Act?
The FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) is a law implemented in 1994 which made it a federal crime to obstruct an abortion facility, cause property damage intended to interfere with abortion services, or perform arson, threats, or violence against workers or patients.
Legally, the FACE Act also claims to protect places of worship from violence or threats… but keep reading to find out the truth.
Why was the FACE Act really implemented?
From 1989-1994, a surge of anti-abortion activity was recorded at abortion facilities across the US. Over 70,000 arrests were made against demonstrators participated in peaceful sit-ins, or “Rescues”, at abortion centers. With this surge of protest activity, the federal government had to find a way to suppress it. After all, these Rescues were causing the abortion industry to lose incredible amounts of money!
Want to learn more about abortion Rescue and its history? Read our Rescue stance here.
Why should you oppose the FACE Act?
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Violence and threats against abortion workers and patients, vandalizing abortion facilities, and blocking access are already illegal in every state in the country. The FACE Act sought to stop peaceful pro-life activity at abortion facilities by casting a wide net over many different issues.
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Since the introduction of the FACE act it has been used over 100 times against pro-life activists and only 3 times against pro abortion activists. The Biden/Harris administration has used it over two dozen times in the last year against pro-life activists. 5 of which are in jail pending sentencing. Their sentences for a simple sit in threaten them with over 11 years in prison each. FACE has never been used in defense of a church even though they are included the FACE Act.
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The FACE act is built upon what the text of the law calls “...the right to seek, obtain or provide reproductive health services.” Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion is no longer a constitutionally protected right. While some states may have laws protecting abortion, this doesn’t justify the FACE act applying on a federal level.
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Congress originally claimed that the Commerce Clause and 14th Amendment Due Process Clause granted it the power to enact the FACE Act.
The Constitution does not grant the federal government general police power.
In Dobbs, the Supreme Court found that abortion is not a constitutional right.
Pro-life “protest” and sidewalk counseling are not commercial activities.
The FACE Act is an affront to federalism and the 10th Amendment.
What can you do to help #RepealFACE?
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Donate to Support Rescuers
Being in jail costs money, and one way that we can tangibly support our heros is to support them financially. PAAU has set up a fund that will directly go to commissary and phone accounts of incarcerated Rescuers.
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Contact your Rep
Visit our #RepealFACE Campaign on ContactMyPolitician to send a pre-written email to your representative, or write your own!
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#RepealFACE Toolkit
Check out our toolkit that gives you great ideas for how to stand in solidarity and make a real difference in our efforts to repeal the FACE Act!
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Share A Graphic
Choose from our library of graphics, fliers, and sign designs to display on your social media, at your house, or in your local political office!
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Write to a Rescuer
Currently there are more than 10 Rescuers in jail who have been convicted under FACE and are still awaiting sentencing. Show your solidarity and write them an encouraging letter today!
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Rep your Support
Download our “Solidarity” sticker designs and print them for yourself. Rep at your local pro-life march!
Content Warning: Photos of abortion victims ahead.
Who has the FACE act Hurt?
In the August of 2023, 8 Rescuers were found guilty of conspiring to violate the FACE Act. They were immediately taken into custody following the verdict and are currently being held pending sentencing.
These activists are Lauren Handy, Herb Geraghty, William Goodman, Heather Idoni, Jean Marshall, Joan Bell, Jonathan Darnel, and John Hinshaw. All of them are now facing 11 years in prison for an action that would ordinarily be a simple trespassing charge.
Their crime? Saving babies from dismemberment.
From Left to right: Heather Idoni, William Goodman, John Hinshaw, Herb Geraghty, Lauren Handy.