DOJ shifts FACE Act focus to defend pregnancy centers

Hold onto your hats, folks — anti-abortion Americans might finally be getting a fair shake from the Department of Justice.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon has committed to using the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act to pursue those responsible for bombing and vandalizing pro-life pregnancy centers, as the Daily Caller reports, a striking departure from the Biden administration’s habit of targeting peaceful pro-life activists with the same law.

During the prior administration, the FACE Act seemed to be a one-way street, aimed almost exclusively at pro-lifers protesting outside abortion facilities. Funny how a law meant to protect access could be so selectively enforced. Thankfully, it also covers pregnancy resource centers and places of worship, a detail now getting its due attention.

FACE Act takes new direction

Dhillon, stepping into her role with resolve, has made it clear she intends to hold perpetrators accountable for attacks on pro-life facilities. Her Civil Rights Division is poised to file “numerous” cases under this statute, signaling a serious shift in focus.

“While the statute is in place, it protects both people who are going to abortion clinics as well as crisis pregnancy centers,” Dhillon stated. Isn’t it refreshing to hear a law being applied with some semblance of balance?

In recent years, roughly 200 pregnancy centers have faced violence and vandalism. That’s a staggering figure, underscoring the real threats against those providing alternatives to abortion. Ignoring this trend would be a disservice to countless women seeking support.

Unsolved attacks demand resolution

Back in 2022, several bombings targeted pro-life centers, and despite FBI involvement, those cases remain unsolved. One can’t help but question if the lack of results stemmed from skewed priorities at the federal level. Justice shouldn’t play favorites.

Dhillon is actively seeking evidence to build strong cases, urging the public to assist. “We are very much interested in evidence and bringing those cases,” she emphasized. It’s a practical call to action, rebuilding faith in a system that’s felt unbalanced for too long.

“We don’t have 200 cases we can bring because we don’t have evidence of who committed the crimes,” Dhillon acknowledged. That’s a candid admission, but it’s also a nudge for communities to step up with information rather than let these acts fade into the background.

Ending a one-sided approach

Dhillon hasn’t minced words about the previous administration’s tactics, calling out the “weaponizing” of the Civil Rights Division for progressive agendas. That’s a diplomatic way of saying the system was rigged, and it’s past time for a correction.

She has already shifted priorities across every section of her division, while keeping the core mission intact. “We have changed the priorities, not the mission,” Dhillon clarified. It’s a meaningful pivot — justice should serve everyone, not just a select few.

In a related move, President Donald Trump, during his first week back in office, pardoned nearly two dozen pro-lifers prosecuted under the FACE Act by the prior administration. That sends a loud message: peaceful advocacy shouldn’t be punished while violent crimes are overlooked.

Inviting informants to help restore trust

Dhillon is encouraging anyone with relevant details to come forward, making the process accessible. “They can contact us, they can contact the FBI, work with even local law enforcement,” she assured. It’s a straightforward effort to mend trust in institutions that have felt partisan.

The goal now is to ensure women can seek care at pregnancy centers without fear of violence or intimidation. Protecting choice means safeguarding all options, not just the ones that align with a specific worldview. Let’s hope this signals a return to genuine fairness.

For too long, pro-life centers have endured hostility with little recourse, while the FACE Act was used as a political weapon against their supporters. Dhillon’s commitment to even the scales offers hope for true accountability. After all, actions should carry consequences across the board.