Defending Life

Three years ago, several pro-life demonstrators engaged in a classic 1960s civil rights tactic and staged a sit-in at a notorious Washington, D.C., abortion clinic. 

Five were just convicted of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, and are awaiting sentencing, which could be a decade in prison and $300,000 in fines. Three more pro-life activists are on trial now.

Jonathan Darnel, whose trial began this week, told reporters that there are several lessons pro-life and Christian Americans could learn from his ordeal. 

One lesson would be a terrible mistake. Darnel said we could conclude that “It doesn’t pay to be a hero,” and that “crossing the [clinic’s] property line is a stupid act, and if you want to avoid the wrath of the U.S. government, you best keep your head down and let the baby killers ply their trade in peace.” 

Then he added, “The U.S. government must be scared silly of citizens who they can’t frighten into submission.” 

Darnel went on to suggest that every abortion clinic in America could be quickly shut down if tens of thousands of pro-life citizens in dozens of cities engaged in peaceful sit-ins.