Should praying and protesting abortion outside of an abortion clinic result in the arrest of the protester? People have a right to protest, but in some areas, prayer is under fire. Let’s take a look.
This Can Be a Complicated Issue
Surprisingly, this can be a complicated issue. With freedom of speech and freedom of religion, this theoretically would be a non-issue. Sadly, it is not:
- Anti-abortion advocates sometimes can be aggressive in engaging people heading into the abortion clinic. Abortion is a very personal issue for everyone concerned. Emotions run high, and it doesn’t take much to start a contentious discussion and/or conflict. The “Freedom of Access to Clinical Entrances Act,” or FACE Act, makes it illegal to use force, threats, or physical obstruction to block people from accessing reproductive health clinics.
- Pro-abortion advocates sometimes can be aggressive with protesters praying outside the clinic. When people believe others are impeding access or object to prayer outside the clinic, they often spark contentious discussions or conflicts here as well. Religious freedom guarantees the same protections to people exercising their First Amendment rights as in places of worship.
- Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, local governments in states where abortion remains legal have increasingly enacted ‘buffer zones‘. These are local ordinances designed to protect patients and staff from harassment.
- The Supreme Court recently declined to overturn the precedent that allows such laws. Critics argue buffer zones restrict constitutionally protected speech, while supporters emphasize patient safety.
Do People Abuse these Protections?
In some cases, yes, they do. Critics argue the Biden administration abused the FACE Act by disproportionately prosecuting peaceful pro-life activists while failing to apply the law equally to protect pregnancy resource centers and churches that were vandalized or attacked. Supporters of the administration counter that enforcement was necessary to safeguard access to reproductive health services after Dobbs v. Jackson struck down Roe v. Wade. The DOJ under Biden brought at least 25 cases against nearly 60 defendants for FACE Act violations, primarily targeting pro-life activists outside abortion clinics. Under Biden, the DOJ prosecuted at least 25 FACE Act cases against almost 60 defendants, mainly targeting pro-life activists outside abortion clinics. Meanwhile, critics report that vandals attacked more than 100 pregnancy centers after the Dobbs leak, yet the DOJ defended only two cases under the FACE Act.
Documented FBI home raids in recent years have overwhelmingly targeted pro-life activists, with at least two widely reported cases (most notably the 2022 raid on pro-life activist Mark Houck’s home in Pennsylvania). No reports show the FBI raiding the homes of pro-abortion advocates or activists. Instead, investigators examined vandalism and attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers and churches after Dobbs without conducting home raids.”
Just last week, a Pastor in Northern Ireland was in court and faces two charges under Northern Ireland’s Abortion Services Safe Access Zones Act for “conducting a religious service” outside of a hospital on July 7, 2024. Authorities charge the Pastor of preaching from John 3:16 near the hospital:
“Prosecutors accuse Johnston of “influencing a protected person, whether directly or indirectly,” by conducting a “protest” near the hospital, where abortions are performed, in violation of the 2023 law. He is also accused of failing to leave the safe access zone when directed.”
The Catholic View
Jesus taught, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Jesus also taught that believers should respect civic laws and governing authorities, but He made clear that obedience to God takes precedence when human laws conflict with divine commands. Prayer is not bound by place; even if restricted outside a clinic, believers can still pray in homes, churches, or silently in their hearts.
I believe there is a big difference between “confronting” people and answering questions. I have seen both as part of a prayer gathering near an abortion facility. As previously mentioned, these are very difficult and emotional decisions. I am sure the last thing a person considering abortion needs is to be confronted on their decision. Equally, as children of God, we have a responsibility to protect life. Jesus consistently emphasized compassion over confrontation. He never forced faith on anyone. His teaching and ministry consistently invited, persuaded, and called people to follow Him, but He never coerced belief. We need to follow suit here.
Mark 12:17 states: “So Jesus said to them, ‘Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.” He acknowledged civil law but reminded His disciples that ultimate obedience belongs to God.
Please share your thoughts about this article in the “Comments” section.
Peace
If you like this article, you might enjoy:
Tariffs After Liberation Day: What You Need to Know
The War on Drugs: The Battle for America’s Soul
Presence and Deliverance in the Gospel Message
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In