.png)
Paulette Harlow, a 75-year-old pro-life activist in poor health, has been handed a two-year prison sentence by a D.C. judge for a protest that occurred years ago. This case stems from the incident that led to Lauren Handy's recent sentencing of nearly five years in prison. The political persecution of those standing up for life knows no bounds, with no age discrimination applied, as evidenced by Harlow's harsh sentence despite her old age and frail condition.
The incident in question occurred in October 2020, when Lauren Handy led a blockade of an abortion clinic. According to the judge, this action violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The blockade was staged after Handy discovered multiple dead babies in the clinic's dumpster behind the building. Paulette Harlow, aged 75, participated in the protest, praying inside and outside the facility. Despite Harlow's old age and health concerns, the judge handed her a two-year sentence, reportedly stating, "make an effort to remain alive" because that is a "tenet of [Harlow's] religion." This harsh sentencing highlights the severe consequences faced by pro-life activists like Harlow, even as they attempted to draw attention to the disturbing reality of discarded fetal remains.
According to multiple reports, the disturbing discovery of dead babies disposed of in the garbage by Lauren Handy was never investigated by authorities. Some of the remains appeared to be from full-term or already birthed infants, highlighting the blatant disregard for innocent human life that has gone unpunished. This glaring fact alone serves as evidence that the punishments handed down are not based on the letter of the law but rather from political pressure and bias against the pro-life movement.
As the last individual involved in the incident to receive a sentence, Paulette Harlow's husband fears that her old age and poor health may lead to her passing in prison. Despite her husband’s plea for mercy, the judge showed no leniency. Before her sentencing, Harlow had been under house arrest for the incident, which, given her fragile state, should have been the extent of her punishment at worst. Sending a 75-year-old woman with health issues to serve time behind bars is an act of sheer cruelty.
Texas Family Project is keeping all the families involved in this incident in our prayers, and we ask our supporters to do the same. Defending the lives of innocent babies is a noble cause, regardless of the verdict. The prosecution of this 75-year-old woman is clearly politically motivated. At Texas Family Project, we'll always stand up for life, even when the incident happens outside of our state. This situation is a sobering reminder of the lengths some will go to punish those who speak out against the tragedy of abortion. But we won't be deterred. Our commitment to protecting the unborn remains unwavering, and we'll continue to support pro-life warriors like Paulette Harlow, who put their freedom on the line for this sacred cause.