Former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson accuses the Department of Justice (DOJ) of "weaponizing" its treatment of pro-life protesters, following the sentencing of a 75-year-old activist to prison.
Former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson has condemned the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its "weaponized" treatment of pro-life protesters, following the sentencing of a 75-year-old activist to prison.
Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Johnson expressed outrage over the imprisonment of Mark Houck, who was sentenced to three months behind bars for allegedly pushing a volunteer outside an abortion clinic in Philadelphia.
DOJ 'Weaponizes' Treatment of Pro-Life Protesters, Abby Johnson Charges
"This is a miscarriage of justice," Johnson said. "This is a political prosecution. This is the DOJ weaponizing their power against pro-life activists to try to intimidate and silence us."
Johnson's comments come amid escalating tensions between the Biden administration and pro-life advocates. In recent months, the DOJ has filed charges against several protesters accused of blocking access to abortion clinics, sparking accusations of selective prosecution.
DOJ 'Weaponizes' Treatment of Pro-Life Protesters, Abby Johnson Charges
The Massachusetts' Democratic leadership has taken a particularly aggressive stance against pro-life pregnancy resource centers (PRCs). The state has launched a public education campaign warning of the "dangers and potential harm" posed by these centers.
The campaign, funded by a $1 million investment from the state legislature, includes ads on social media, radio, billboards, and transit, which direct women to a Mass.gov webpage that lists "trusted abortion providers."
DOJ 'Weaponizes' Treatment of Pro-Life Protesters, Abby Johnson Charges
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll claimed that the ads are aimed at countering "misinformation and unethical tactics" used by PRCs, which she accused of undermining the healthcare system.
Pro-life clinics have accused the state of waging a political effort to silence them because they do not provide abortions or referrals for them. A bill before the Massachusetts legislature seeks to regulate pro-life pregnancy centers' advertising, potentially imposing fines of up to $1,000 for "deceptive" statements.
Critics have condemned the bill as a blatant attempt to suppress pro-life speech. In 2022, then-Attorney General Maura Healey issued a "consumer warning" against PRCs based on just three consumer complaints.
The escalating legal battles between the pro-life movement and the Biden administration have raised concerns about the erosion of First Amendment rights. The DOJ's selective prosecution of protesters and the Massachusetts' efforts to silence PRCs have sparked fears that pro-life activism is being criminalized.
As the debate intensifies, both sides are digging in their heels. Pro-life advocates vow to continue their peaceful protests, while the Biden administration and its allies in state governments demonstrate a willingness to use the law to suppress dissent.
