Seven Anti-Abortion Activists Convicted in Michigan

Seven anti-abortion activists were convicted on August 20 for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by obstructing an abortion clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, in 2020. The defendants were also found guilty of conspiracy against rights, a felony charge that can result in up to 10 years in prison. Two of the defendants faced additional convictions for a blockade at a Saginaw clinic in April 2021. The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, aims to prevent obstruction and intimidation at both abortion clinics and pregnancy resource centers. Defense attorneys plan to appeal, arguing the conspiracy charge is based on an outdated law. Sentencing dates will be announced later.