Elderly pro-life activist sentenced to prison by DOJ for 2020 incident.

An elderly woman from Massachusetts, Paula “Paulette” Harlow, aged 75, was sentenced to two years in prison on May 31, involving a pro-life demonstration at an abortion clinic in October 2020. Along with 10 other pro-life activists, she was charged with civil rights conspiracy and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia stated that the defendants forcefully entered the clinic, blocked the doors with their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes, and live-streamed their activities. They aimed to prevent the clinic from providing reproductive health services to patients as part of their demonstration.

Paulette Harlow and her supporters were hoping for mercy from the Department of Justice due to her age and health conditions. She described the protest as a peaceful intervention to protect the lives of unborn children and support mothers facing difficult circumstances.

As a Catholic, Harlow mentioned that her pro-life stance was solidified when she saw a photograph of an 18-week-old fetus in Life magazine in 1965. She believes that unborn children deserve to be heard and protected, especially when they have no voice of their own.

Her husband, John Harlow, expressed devastation over his wife’s prosecution and sentence, emphasizing that the real tragedy lies in the act of abortion itself. Despite his concerns for her health and well-being, they both stand together in their beliefs and convictions.

Paulette Harlow shared her worries about the impact of incarceration on her health, given her age and medical conditions. She highlighted the challenges she would face without access to necessary resources and the support of her husband during such a difficult time.

Reflecting on her court experience, Harlow considered it an honor to stand up for her beliefs, even in the face of legal consequences. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to defend the rights of the unborn and raise awareness about the issue of abortion.

The story of Paula “Paulette” Harlow and her commitment to the pro-life cause is a testament to the strength of convictions and the willingness to fight for what one believes in, even at personal cost. As she faces the consequences of her actions, she remains steadfast in her belief that every life deserves protection and a chance to be heard.