A 75-year-old pro-life activist, Paulette “Paula” Harlow, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release by Washington D.C. district court judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) during a pro-life demonstration at an abortion clinic in 2020. Despite pleas from her husband, John, and her attorney concerning her rapidly declining health, the judge suggested that Harlow “make every effort to stay alive” as part of the tenets of her religion.
John Harlow expressed concern about his wife’s health, stating, “I feel like Paulette is dying.” He emphasized that she relies heavily on his support for survival. Harlow’s attorney, Allen Orenberg, also argued that separating her from her caregiver could worsen her condition, mentioning that John was willing to accompany her to prison to provide the necessary care.
Plans are underway to transfer Harlow to a federal facility that can accommodate her medical needs while she remains under house arrest and is prohibited from approaching within 1,000 feet of an abortion clinic. Although some objections were raised regarding the judge’s comments, Harlow seemed to interpret them as well-intentioned, acknowledging that staying alive is indeed a fundamental principle of her faith, but so is saving children.
Recently, other pro-life activists have also faced prison sentences for similar violations. Lauren Handy, John Hinshaw, William Goodman, Jonathan Darnel, Herb Geraghty, Jean Marshall, Joan Bell, and Heather Idoni were among those sentenced to months or years in prison for impeding access to the Washington Surgi-Clinic in October 2020.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly’s decision to impose harsh sentences on pro-life activists for their demonstrations has raised concerns among supporters of the movement. The issue of balancing free speech rights with legal restrictions on protest activities remains a contentious debate in the ongoing battle over abortion rights.
As the pro-life community continues to advocate for its cause, the challenges and risks faced by activists like Paulette Harlow underscore the dedication and sacrifices made in pursuit of their beliefs. The intersection of religious convictions, legal consequences, and personal health concerns in cases like Harlow’s serves as a poignant reminder of the complex issues surrounding abortion activism in contemporary society.