Pro-life activist Lauren Handy, who has been praised as a hero for her work against the radical abortion practices in the U.S., has been sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for her role in a protest at a Washington, D.C., abortion clinic in October 2020.

Handy was one of five pro-life advocates prosecuted by the Biden administration after they staged a sit-in at the Washington Surgi-Clinic, a late-term abortion facility.

Pro-lifer Lauren Handy gets 5-year prison term for D.C. clinic barrier; sentences less harsh for co-defendantshttps://t.co/33dklfB161 pic.twitter.com/czYlWu19rr

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 16, 2024

During the protest, the activists sang songs, prayed, locked arms in front of the facility’s staff entrance and attached themselves with ropes and chains to block doors inside the building. Handy was convicted on charges of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act).

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, sentenced Handy. The Thomas More Society, which represented Handy, promised to appeal the sentence.

Friends of Lauren Handy shouted “You’re a hero, Lauren!” as she was sentenced yesterday.

Please join us in praying for this brave pro-life American as she appeals this bogus sentence.https://t.co/YBT0kYU0l2 pic.twitter.com/Ko2v03XDAs

— Stop Abortion Now (@LifeNewsToo) May 16, 2024

“For her efforts to peacefully protect the lives of innocent preborn human beings, Ms. Handy deserves thanks, not a gut-wrenching prison sentence,” said Thomas More Senior Counsel Martin Cannon.

The other demonstrators convicted include John Hinshaw, 67, who was sentenced to 21 months in prison; Heather Idoni, 61; William Goodman, 52; and Herb Geraghty, 25, are also set to be sentenced.

Pro-life activists are still pushing for more answers on the circumstances surrounding the five aborted children discovered in Handy’s home in March 2022 as the allegedly were evidence of illegal activity at the clinic she was arrested for protesting at.

Lauren Handy Will Appeal Bogus 57 Month Prison Sentence for Protesting Abortion https://t.co/hobvGvari2

— Michelle S (@Schuck01M) May 16, 2024