House GOP Make Repealing FACE Act A Priority

House Republicans led by Rep. Chip Roy are pushing to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a federal law they claim has been weaponized against pro-life activists while protecting abortion providers.

Quick Takes

Over 20 House Republicans support legislation to repeal the FACE Act, which makes it a federal crime to obstruct access to reproductive health facilities.
Data shows 97% of FACE Act prosecutions in the last 20 years targeted abortion opponents, with enforcement intensifying under the Biden administration.
Pro-life organizations claim the law has been selectively enforced, rarely used against those attacking pregnancy resource centers.
The Trump administration has taken executive action to prevent FACE Act weaponization and pardoned pro-life activists prosecuted under the law.
Despite Republican control of Congress and the White House, internal opposition has stalled the repeal effort.

Republicans Push FACE Act Repeal Citing Biased Enforcement

More than 20 House Republicans, led by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, have introduced legislation 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. Roy and his colleagues argue that the Biden administration has used the law to target pro-life activists while ignoring attacks on pregnancy centers and pro-life organizations, especially since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

Justice Department data supports their claims, showing that 97% of FACE Act prosecutions over the past two decades have targeted abortion opponents. High-profile cases include the prosecution of ten defendants who received prison sentences for blocking access to a Washington, D.C. abortion clinic in 2020. Critics point to early morning SWAT raids and what they view as disproportionate sentences for peaceful protesters, while noting that few prosecutions have occurred against those who vandalized or attacked pro-life pregnancy centers.

Pro-Life Coalition Demands Congressional Action

A coalition of prominent pro-life organizations has joined the push for repeal, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, and The Thomas More Society. In a letter to Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee, the coalition emphasized the law’s lopsided enforcement pattern. Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWA LAC), another signatory, highlighted the urgency of repealing the FACE Act to prevent future administrations from using it against pro-life advocates.

While the coalition has expressed gratitude for President Trump’s pardons of pro-life activists prosecuted under the FACE Act, they insist that pardons alone are insufficient. The letter states that the first time FACE Act charges were brought against a pro-abortion activist occurred only after Republicans took control of the House and began investigating the Biden administration’s enforcement practices. Despite the Trump administration’s executive actions to prevent weaponization of the law during his term, advocates argue that a full repeal is necessary to ensure long-term protection for pro-life activities.

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

Internal Republican Resistance Slows Progress

Despite having a Republican trifecta in the House, Senate, and White House, the repeal effort has faced internal resistance. Rep. Chip Roy has grown frustrated with the lack of progress, threatening to file a discharge petition to force a vote if the bill remains stalled in committee. This procedural move would bypass committee leadership if it gathers enough signatures from House members. Roy’s push reflects growing impatience among pro-life advocates who view the current political alignment as a rare opportunity to eliminate the law.

According to Roy, “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.”

Critics of the FACE Act argue that existing state and local laws already address criminal actions such as trespassing, property damage, and assault, making the federal law redundant and potentially unconstitutional. They point to constitutional concerns about federal overreach and First Amendment issues. The White House has not commented on the repeal bill, while pro-life groups continue to mobilize support for the legislation, viewing it as essential to protecting First Amendment rights for those who advocate against abortion.