Six individuals identified as anti-abortion activists are slated to stand trial on state charges alleging trespassing on an abortion clinic’s property and refusal to vacate the premises. Among those facing trial, two had previously been granted pardons by former President Donald Trump. According to police reports and an eyewitness, the activists were reportedly present to usher other anti-abortion activists into the clinic. When asked to leave by clinic staff, they allegedly refused and proceeded to scatter a clear liquid and white powder around the facility. Abortion rights advocates have observed what they describe as a heightened frequency of such activities in recent months, following the Trump administration’s announcement regarding curtailed enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a law historically applied to prosecute disruptions at abortion providers. The National Abortion Federation (NAF) reports more than 500 similar incidents by abortion opponents between 1977 and 2024. Melissa Fowler, NAF’s chief program officer, stated that the two pardoned individuals are the first beneficiaries of Trump’s FACE Act pardons to re-enter abortion clinics, and other individuals involved in FACE Act cases have also indicated intentions to resume similar actions. The Trump administration has also reportedly redirected its application of the FACE Act in other contexts.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/09/anti-abortion-activists-pardoned-trump-trial