Mark Houck, a Pennsylvania pro-life activist who faced 11 years in prison for an altercation with a Planned Parenthood escort outside of an abortion clinic, was acquitted by a jury on Monday. Houck pushed the Planned Parenthood volunteer twice after the volunteer verbally harassed Houck’s 12-year-old son. In a clear abuse of power, the Biden Department of Justice sicced numerous FBI agents on Houck and raided his family home. Houck was charged with violating the FACE Act. Now, in a win for free speech, Houck was acquitted. Following his acquittal, he stated, “This is a triumph for all those who stand for life and believe in the power of prayer and peaceful demonstration.”
NEWS ROLLUP: PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST ACQUITTED
By News Rollup; January 31, 2023
A Pennsylvania jury has cleared pro-life activist Mark Houck of charges that he obstructed access to an abortion clinic.
The trial, which lasted several days, centered around Houck’s involvement in a peaceful demonstration outside a clinic in the state. Prosecutors argued that Houck’s actions hindered women from accessing the clinic and receiving medical services, while the defense maintained that Houck was exercising his First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
In the end, the jury determined that Houck did not obstruct access to the clinic and was not guilty of the charges.
The verdict has been celebrated by pro-life advocates as a victory for free speech and peaceful protest. Houck himself stated, “This is a triumph for all those who stand for life and believe in the power of prayer and peaceful demonstration.”
Opponents of the verdict, however, argue that it could set a dangerous precedent and lead to further disruptions at clinics across the country.
The acquittal of Mark Houck is a win for the pro-life movement.