In another round of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, the petitions of the Thomas More Society, the voices of many Americans–and even Congress–were heard: Trump has pardoned 23 pro-life activists who had been targeted, convicted, and jailed by the Biden administration for violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
Trump said as he signed them on Thursday, “They should not have been prosecuted. Many of them are elderly people—they should not have been prosecuted. This is a great honor to sign this.”
Prominent among the 23 is Bevelyn Beatty Williams, a 33-year-old wife and mother.
On Monday, President Donald Trump signed a spate of executive orders. Among them, Trump addressed the plight of the January 6 protestors, pardoning them all. So, pro-life activists questioned whether Trump would extend his pardon powers to those of their number who had been similarly targeted like the J6 protestors.
Williams’ story has received national attention, including a breakdown of her case by none other than radio host and the host of Fox News’ “Life, Liberty, and Levin,” Mark Levin.
WATCH:
This is Bevelyn Beatty Williams.
She’s a wife and mother.
She’s currently in federal prison for 3 years for protecting women and unborn children outside an abortion facility in New York.
She’s not a criminal.@realDonaldTrump pardon her.
— 🇺🇸 Pismo 🇺🇸 (@Pismo_B) January 19, 2025
The delay was befuddling to many, and much confusion was caused by from false announcements and even articles that Williams had been previously pardoned on Monday.
The March for Life is 1/24/25. Bevelyn and other pro-lifers prosecuted by Biden’s DOJ prayerfully await pardons. I’m not sure who’s overseeing that process but if any of you can help, ‘twould be so appreciated @willscharf @BobOnderMO @Eric_Schmitt @HawleyMO https://t.co/VzjhCmUIsm
— Susie Moore ⚾️🌻🐶 (@SmoosieQ) January 21, 2025
Despite the seeming delay, on Tuesday, Williams’ husband posted on the social media app X that he was confident that she would be pardoned, and it was simply a matter of timing:
I just need to put this out there. My wife @MrsBevelynW will be pardoned. The timing may not be our timing but it will happen. Pro-Lifers have not been forgotten. This is for the families of those who have loved ones still incarcerated and have no idea of what is going on. You…
— Rickey W (@MrRickeyVictory) January 21, 2025
While my wife @MrsBevelynW hasn’t been pardoned just yet, we have to understand that Trump is initiating pardons at the beginning of his Presidency. Most pardons occur at the end of a Presidency. Do I want my wife out today? Yes! Without hesitation! But his team is working hard! One person is confirmed right now in his cabinet out of the key positions. On day two, Biden had 8 confirmed. Patience is key here. Be anxious for nothing. It has been unprecedented what Joe Biden has done with the DOJ. I believe this department will be restored and will once again gain the trust of the American people.
I will end this with this quote: “ To the distinguished Character of a Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of a Christian. – George Washington
However, as Tuesday extended into Wednesday without any movement on the administration’s part, members of Congress added their voice to the petitions to free the pro-life activists. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) led the charge. Hawley reached out to the president to have a conversation about the wrongful persecution of the 23 pro-life activists.
I had a great conversation this morning with @realDonaldTrump about the pro-life prisoners unjustly persecuted and imprisoned by the corrupt Biden Administration. I urged him to pardon them swiftly. They have done nothing wrong!
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) January 23, 2025
Hawley also told Williams’ story on the Senate floor and called for the repeal of the FACE Act.
WATCH:
Bevelyn Williams, 33, had two abortions before dedicating her life to Jesus.
The mother of a toddler was sentenced to 3.5 years in jail for attempting to save babies from abortion.
Her story is one of many reasons to repeal the FACE Act, @HawleyMO says. pic.twitter.com/zlWC2B2gt3
— Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell (@TheElizMitchell) January 23, 2025
Thanks to this order, 23 people get to return back to their lives and families. Mr. Williams posted his excitement over finally being able to bring his wife home.
It’s happening and I NEVER doubted!
— Rickey W (@MrRickeyVictory) January 23, 2025
There should be no muddied waters on these pardons. None of these activists could be accused of violence, and many were elderly women and men who were simply praying in front of the clinics. In pardoning these pro-life activists, injustice has been dismantled. The scales of justice have been righted.
[Correction: A previous headline on this article asserted that there were 11 pro-life activists pardoned, in addition to Bevelyn Beatty Williams. The correct number is 22. We regret the error.]
