The U.S. Department of Justice fired four prosecutors last week who had handled cases against anti-abortion activists under the Biden administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the terminations, citing allegations of biased prosecutions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act.

The firings preceded the release of a report from the DOJ's Weaponization Working Group, which accused the prior administration of weaponizing the 1994 law designed to protect reproductive health facilities from obstruction and threats. The report claimed prosecutors ignored attacks on pregnancy resource centers and houses of worship while pursuing harsher penalties against pro-life demonstrators compared to abortion-rights advocates. Blanche stated, "This Department will not tolerate a two-tiered system of justice. No Department should conduct selective prosecution based on beliefs. The weaponization that happened under the Biden Administration will not happen again, as we restore integrity to our prosecutorial system."

Among those dismissed was Sanjay Patel, a veteran Civil Rights Division attorney described by colleagues as ethical and respected. The action is part of a broader personnel review targeting career lawyers involved in cases criticized by conservatives or seen as disloyal to President Trump's priorities. The group was established by former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was later removed by Trump.

The FACE Act prohibits physical obstruction, threats of force, or property damage at facilities providing reproductive services, including clinics and centers. Enacted amid 1990s violence against providers, such as the 1993 murder of Dr. David Gunn, it also covers pregnancy centers and religious sites. Under Biden, the DOJ prosecuted dozens of anti-abortion activists for clinic blockades and related actions, often coordinating with law enforcement and community leaders.

Trump pardoned several convicted under the law last year, calling them peaceful pro-life protesters. Critics of the firings, including former Civil Rights Division head Kristen Clarke, defended the cases as even-handed enforcement focused on public safety. "The Civil Rights Division brought law enforcement leaders, crisis pregnancy center representatives, faith leaders, and reproductive health care staff together to address the real violence, threats of violence, and obstruction," Clarke said.

Former attorneys accused the current leadership of cherry-picking evidence to justify the moves, while Justice Connection, a network of ex-DOJ staff, called it hypocritical. The terminations have raised concerns about politicization, though officials maintain they aim to ensure impartiality.

No further details on the other three prosecutors have been released, and the DOJ has directed future FACE Act actions toward balanced enforcement. The episode underscores ongoing tensions over abortion-related law enforcement following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.