President continues targeting women’s rights
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2025 — President Donald Trump pardoned 23 convicted anti-abortion activists yesterday. Included in the pardon were four Michiganders, who were convicted in August by a federal jury for physically blocking access to a Sterling Heights reproductive health clinic in 2020 and disobeying police orders to leave the premises. During the incident, a married couple entering the clinic was seeking treatment following finding out their fetus had fatal abnormalities and the wife’s health was at risk. After the announcement, state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), chair of the Progressive Women’s Caucus, issued the following statement:
“This pardon comes as another attack on people’s rights. These criminals used harmful tactics to stop a woman from acting on her legal right and personal bodily autonomy. Justice must be upheld. Last term, I introduced HB 6276 to make this same action a felony here in Michigan, not just a federal crime. This pardon is yet another jab at child-bearing individuals’ rights and another demonstration by Republicans to take away women’s rights and choices. I condemn the president’s behavior and will continue to stand up for what is right and just.”