Pro-Life Republicans Challenge The FACE Act

Prolife rally with people holding signs and banners

House Republicans led by Rep. Chip Roy are pushing to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, claiming the Biden administration has weaponized it against pro-life advocates while failing to prosecute attacks on pregnancy centers.

Key Takeaways

More than 20 House Republicans support legislation to repeal the FACE Act, which they argue has been disproportionately used against pro-life activists
Data shows 97% of FACE Act prosecutions in the last 20 years targeted abortion opponents, with enforcement intensifying under the Biden administration
Despite Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House, internal opposition has stalled the repeal effort
Rep. Chip Roy has threatened to file a discharge petition to force a vote if Republican leadership continues to block the bill
Pro-life organizations praise Trump’s pardons of FACE Act prisoners but insist repeal is necessary to prevent future administrations from using the law against activists

Republican Push to Repeal FACE Act Gains Momentum

Texas Republican Chip Roy is leading more than 20 House Republicans in a concerted effort to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The 1994 law makes it a federal crime to use threats, obstruction, or property damage to interfere with reproductive health services. Critics argue the legislation has been weaponized against the pro-life movement, particularly since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

“Americans just spent the last four years being targeted by a weaponized justice system. The FACE Act was one of the primary weapons of abuse—being used to politically target, arrest, and jail pro-life Americans for speaking out and standing up for life,” Roy said.

Data from the Justice Department reveals a stark disparity in enforcement—97% of FACE Act prosecutions over the past two decades have targeted abortion opponents. This uneven application has fueled accusations that the law serves as a political tool rather than a neutral protection mechanism. Roy’s legislation to abolish the Act has garnered 25 cosponsors, with supporters urging the House Judiciary Committee to advance the bill quickly.

Pro-Life Organizations Rally Behind Repeal

A coalition of prominent pro-life organizations has joined forces to advocate for the repeal of the FACE Act. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Family Research Council, Students For Life Action, and The Thomas More Society are among the notable groups lending their voices to this legislative push. These organizations argue that the Biden administration has selectively enforced the law, targeting pro-life advocates while largely ignoring attacks on pregnancy resource centers.

The Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWA LAC) has joined other groups in addressing a letter to Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee. The letter highlights the disproportionate enforcement pattern, noting that the first time FACE Act charges were brought against a pro-abortion activist only occurred after Republicans took control of the House and began investigating the administration’s use of the law.

Pro-lifers should never fear going to prison for praying outside abortion clinics.@RepChipRoy is right – Congress should pass his FACE Act repeal immediately. https://t.co/JIOW4sAzXU

— Rep. Mark Harris (@RepMarkHarrisNC) March 6, 2025

Republican Reluctance Threatens Repeal Efforts

Despite Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House, the FACE Act repeal faces significant internal opposition. Some Republican lawmakers appear hesitant to advance legislation that could be portrayed as controversial. This reluctance has frustrated Rep. Roy, who has threatened to bypass normal procedures if necessary to force consideration of the bill.

“If my Republican colleagues continue to refuse to bring the FACE Act up for a vote in committee or the floor, I will file a discharge petition, and I will start to try to move the bill, irrespective of the normal procedures. I’m not going to sit back and wait while people hide and refuse to bring something forward because, ‘oh, no, this might be a little bit more controversial than just moving another continuing resolution.’ It is time that we change,” said Roy.

Supporters of the repeal note that traditional criminal laws already address the behaviors the FACE Act purports to target. They argue that acts of violence, property damage, and threats are already illegal under existing statutes, making the FACE Act redundant at best and potentially unconstitutional in its application. The Biden administration has used the Act to prosecute at least ten defendants who received prison sentences for a 2020 abortion clinic blockade.

Presidential Action and Future Outlook

The Trump administration has taken executive action to prevent the FACE Act from being weaponized during his term, including pardoning individuals prosecuted under the law. While pro-life advocates have expressed gratitude for these measures, they emphasize that only a full repeal can prevent future administrations from using the law selectively against the pro-life movement.

As the debate continues, pro-life lawmakers like Rep. Mark Harris of North Carolina have emphasized the personal impact of the law’s enforcement. Harris argues that Americans exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and prayer should never face imprisonment simply for demonstrating their beliefs. The White House has not yet commented on the repeal bill, leaving questions about potential presidential support or opposition unanswered.

According to Rep. Chip Roy, “Now that we have a Republican trifecta in the House, Senate, and White House, Congress should move quickly to repeal this law and ensure that no future president can weaponize it against pro-lifers ever again.”