BREAKING: Pro-life activist Lauren Handy sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison for protesting in front of abortion clinic

Pro-life advocate Lauren Handy was sentenced to 57 months in prison with credit for 9 month already served on Tuesday for violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Handy and others were arrested in 2020 after they blocked the entrance to an abortion clinic. They were then convicted on felony conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offense in 2023 
 

Handy, along with John Hinshaw, Heather Idoni, William Goodman, and Herb Geraghty were convicted of the charges. Another codefendant, Jay Smith, pleaded guilty to the charges and served 10 months in prison. Others yet to be sentenced and did not plead guilty face up to 11 years in prison for blocking the clinic.  

Handy and the others brought ropes and chains at the time and used them to tie themselves together sitting on chairs by the entrance. As they sat by the entrance they sang hymns, prayed, and said that the abortion clinic was killing babies. Handy had used a false name to set up an appointment at the clinic where she said she would be obtaining an abortion. The group said that the clinic was killing babies after they were born. 

Leading up to the sentencing hearing, Handy shared a statement.

"It has been close to 9 months since I was abruptly ripped from my community. This has led me to think long and hard on what to say about my sentencing today in federal court," she said. "Some drafts were angry and righteous while most were just a tearstained longing for my loved ones back home. Yes, this time has been challenging but I refuse to be jaded. Why? Because life goes on... even in jail."  

Handy has been in jail pending the sentencing hearing after the conviction. She made the post via the Progressive Anti-Abortion Upraising (PAAU) page, an organization that she oversaw.   

"So today... I am at peace with myself and my future. I will go into court with my head held high and heart open. Choose Courage Over Comfort. Lauren Handy, Director of Activism, PAAU."  

Hinshaw and Goodman are expected to be sentenced later today. 

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