Pro-life activist prosecuted by Biden DOJ reacts to Trump pardon: ‘I want to give him a hug’
President Donald Trump made headlines on Thursday when he pardoned 23 pro-life activists, including Joan Bell, a 76-year-old grandmother who had been sentenced to more than two years in prison for her involvement in a 2020 protest at a Washington D.C. abortion clinic. Bell, a lifelong pro-life advocate, was overcome with emotion when she received the news of her pardon.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Bell recounted her disbelief and joy upon learning that she had been granted clemency by the former president. After finishing her prayers and Bible study with fellow inmates, Bell was informed by other prisoners that her husband, Christopher Bell, had appeared on Laura Ingraham’s Fox News show to confirm her pardon. The news was met with applause and cheers from her fellow inmates, and Bell was instructed to pack her belongings for her imminent release.
Upon stepping outside of the prison walls, Bell described the feeling of freedom as “glorious” and “indescribable.” She expressed her gratitude to President Trump for recognizing the unjust prosecution of the pro-life activists and for granting them a second chance at freedom. Bell and her husband are now looking forward to taking a “second honeymoon” and enjoying quality time together with their family.
The pro-life activists had been convicted of violating the 1994 FACE Act, which prohibits physical force, threats of force, or damage to property in order to obstruct access to abortion services. However, Trump asserted that they should not have been prosecuted, citing their advanced age and peaceful intentions. The activists had been sentenced by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, a Clinton appointee, and were immediately detained following their convictions.
Attorneys from the Thomas More Society had submitted formal requests for pardons on behalf of the pro-life advocates, emphasizing the unjust treatment they had received at the hands of the Department of Justice under President Biden. Steve Crampton, senior counsel of the Thomas More Society, praised Trump’s decision to grant clemency to the activists, allowing them to reunite with their families and reclaim their freedom.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Crampton highlighted the challenges faced by the activists in securing a fair trial, noting the bias of jurors and the pro-abortion sentiment prevalent in Washington, D.C. Bell echoed these sentiments, expressing her disappointment in being prosecuted for her religious beliefs and silenced in a court of law.
Trump’s actions to pardon the pro-life activists, along with over 1,000 Jan. 6 rioters and other executive orders, have sparked both praise and criticism. The former president’s decision to grant clemency to those he deemed unjustly prosecuted has reignited debates over freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the protection of life.
As Joan Bell steps into a new chapter of freedom and redemption, she remains grateful for the support of President Trump, her legal team, and the pro-life community. With her faith and convictions intact, she looks forward to advocating for the sanctity of life and cherishing the moments of liberty that she once thought were lost.
