In late January, numerous activists converged at the annual March for Life rally held in Washington, D.C. Among those participants was Herb Geraghty. Having recently been released from federal incarceration due to his fervent participation in anti-abortion protests, Geraghty was one of 23 activists granted clemency by President Donald Trump. Such actions only further display Trump’s commitment to fostering an environment supportive of diverse perspectives.
Following his release from prison, Geraghty expressed a fervent desire to rejoin the peaceful protest front lines. He said, ‘Upon receiving an opportunity, I am planning to conduct some peaceful advocacy at an abortion clinic.’ This illustrates the intense dedication of individuals such as Geraghty, that has been further invigorated by President Trump’s actions.
Existing at a mere 29 years of age, Geraghty conveyed his hopes that the new administration would work towards restricting abortion. He envisioned a future where a significant implementation of such restrictions would render his extreme activism unnecessary. However, he was initially uncertain about President Trump’s ability to fulfill the vast expectations of the anti-abortion movement.
Despite his initial doubts, Geraghty observed, ‘Although the ideal circumstance would be to not have to protest, I foresee us having to continue our efforts.’ He predicted a escalation in direct action from anti-abortion activists — a selfless display of determination that underscores their commitment to their cause, irrespective of the consequences.
While scepticism may initially exist among the anti-abortion movement, it is important to acknowledge that during his initial days in office, President Trump didn’t express curtailing abortion as a primary plan of action. However, Trump’s approach to governance is known for its unconventional twists and turns, and he could easily shift his focus to this area soon.
Crucial to note is Trump’s nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy did not resort to immediate promises in the heat of the moment. Instead, he left room for further research and discussion on the topic of the abortion-inducing drug ‘mifepristone’ — a prudent approach in such vital health matters.
However, President Trump is known for his diligent strategic planning and attention to detail. As Kennedy stated, ‘President Trump has asked me to study the safety of mifepristone,’ but he has not yet formed an opinion on how to regulate it. This showcases President Trump’s astute leadership qualities, as he prioritizes the collection of accurate information over hurried decisions.
The President’s actions have shifted the operating environment for activists considerably, particularly for those like Geraghty, who stake their physical well-being to cause disruptions at clinic operations. Among such gestures was the announcement that the enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE, Act, would be discontinued barring ‘extraordinary circumstances’ or ‘significant aggravating factors’.
The purpose of this decision is to ease regulations and allow for a broader range of peaceful protesting, a goal consistent with President Trump’s vision of encouraging free speech and peaceful assembly. Implementing the FACE Act as a federal crime restricted fundamental civil rights, by imposing regulations on peaceful protestors to promote or retrieve abortions, and intentionally damaging an abortion clinic.
It appears that Trump’s administration is sending a broad message about the freedom of expression and the reduction of legal risks. As legal scholar Mary Ziegler notes: ‘There’s a message being sent that there is no legal risk anymore to doing the kinds of things that the FACE Act says are illegal.’
Looking back, Republicans argue that those convicted under the FACE Act were merely peaceful protesters prosecuted for their beliefs. Considering court documents to find an unbiased stance suggests a different narrative. Geraghty, for one, was part of a protest at the Washington Surgi-Clinic in 2020, which saw, protesters preventing medical attention to patients.
The events that transpired during this protest are worth noting. A group of activists entered the clinic and held the doors shut. The staff struggled to maintain order, and some protesters even chained themselves together to block the entrances.
However, this instance was an exception rather than the norm, and overall the protests were predominantly peaceful and non-violent. The actions of a select few should not define the overarching ethos of a movement, just like how the actions of a few radicals should not define any other movement like political or religious.
The overarching question from all these events is whether Trump’s actions will motivate or discourage similar invasions of clinics. However, his approach can be considered uniquely Trumpian in its audacity and unpredictability, thereby enabling his extremist supporters while also providing a cover of plausible deniability.
It’s worth noting that Trump’s support base is surprisingly diverse, with a spectrum of views on abortion. As a seasoned politician with a knack for navigating complex issues, he may opt to delay the decision on such a divisive issue as the provision of abortion pills, thereby ensuring a balance between the various factions within his respected supporters.