Lauren Handy: Director of Activism & Mutual Aid
Lauren Handy is the Director of Activism & Mutual Aid for the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising. In 2020, Lauren participated in a non-violent Rescue at the infamous Washington Surgi-Center, a late-term abortion facility in DC.
Two years later, Lauren was federally indicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances for that action. In 2023, Lauren was convicted and sentenced to 57 months in federal prison
After this August 28th, 2023 FACE conviction, Lauren has been organizing pro-life efforts wherever she has been detained. From Virginia, to Oklahoma, to Florida, she is bringing to message of life and hope to everyone she encounters.
As an incarcerated pro-life Rescuer, Lauren is uniquely situated to mentor and accompany people who are pregnant while incarcerated, something she has been able to do at all of the various jails and prisons she has been to.
Pregnant people behind bars are the forgotten of the forgotten, yet they are in no less need of help and support than those on the outside. This type of crisis pregnancy is often overlooked, so Lauren maintains a life-affirming presence and stability while coordinating efforts on the outside to deposit funds in these mother’s accounts. Rarely are pro-life activists able to take their skills behind prison walls and truly walk alongside these vulnerable mothers who may just need someone to listen.
Learn more:
Lauren Handy jailed as pro-life ‘rescue’ returns - The Pillar
Talking About Nonviolent Direct Action with Lauren Handy - The Rehumanize Podcast
UNITED STATES v. HANDY: Defending Lauren Handy Against the Biden Department of Justice
Reflections, Zines, Art, and More Created While Incarcerated:
Where Your Support Goes:
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As the Director of Activism at PAAU, Lauren is uniquely situated to mentor the rising generation of activists across the country. While behind bars, Lauren continues to mentor our organizers and lead our activism strategies. She assists with planning our Weeks of Action, trainings, as well as advising on our strategies and Affinity group work.
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1) Monthly Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on Lauren's pro-life efforts in federal prison. She is chronicling her journey in a monthly newsletter that can be sent to your email. You can subscribe here: prolifejailsupport.substack.com
2) Rescuer's Support Fund
Want to build solidarity with Incarcerated Rescuers? Financial support helps Rescuers access vital necessities like medication, food, hygiene, and clothing that the prison/jail system DOES NOT provide for free. This support also makes sure that Rescuers can stay connected to loved ones and buy stamps to send mail. This fund helps any Incarcerated Rescuer across the country who contacts us for help. Donate here: donorbox.org/support-rescuers
3) Pregnant and Incarcerated
People who are pregnant and incarcerated face increased pressure to abort their children. Finding these moms behind bars and getting funds to their commissaries (so they can access prenatal care) is vital in creating a culture of life. Lauren acts as a bridge between those in need and those who can provide support. Lauren has seen direct evidence in the federal system of BOP pushing abortion and Planned Parenthood referrals. We need to reach them first with love and direct care.
Check out our comprehensive database on ways to support Pro-life Prisoners of Conscience. As long as there is legalized abortion there will be pro-lifers engaging in nonviolent direct action. PAAU has developed concrete ways we can support those who have made that sacrifice.
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While incarcerated, Lauren encounters many people who have pregnancy loss stories. Whether they have an abortion experience themselves, have suffered a miscarriage, have abortion regret, or have a family member affected by abortion, Lauren is able to create a space for healing and processing. She is currently studying abortion healing materials and books in order to be able to facility abortion healing circles behind bars. Your support helps her reach the forgotten of the forgotten who are in need of peace and healing.
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Lauren has made a huge impact during her time in prison by sharing her writing and art with the world. Thanks to donor support, Lauren has been able to use her messaging and letters to share reflections, poems, art pieces, and more to the outside world, inspiring thousands to act in defense of the preborn. Be sure to check out all her work on our blog or in the highlight strip above!
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Lauren has learned how to use her time behind bars in a way that is edifying and self-improving. She has read dozens of books while incarcerated, many of which have been books about therapy techniques, somatic healing, abortion healing, organizing strategy, and more. The time she is spending on development helps improve herself as well as PAAU as an organization.