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Four pro-life activists were found guilty of trespassing on March 14 for their involvement in a 2019 event at a New Jersey abortion clinic. Despite the conviction, they avoided jail time and received 18 months of probation without the need to report to a probation officer. Their 30-day sentences were suspended.
The individuals involved include Father David Nix, Father Fidelis Moscinski, William Goodman, and Sally Hernandez. They entered Garden State Gynecology in Morristown as part of an event similar to those organized by Operation Rescue but did not engage in physical blockades. Instead, they prayed and distributed red roses with messages encouraging life.
Vincent James Sanzone, representing the defendants, stated: “The Holy Spirit was with us, the 30 day suspended jail time was the best thing we can do. The judge gave us some leeway in presenting our arguments for life. It was an honor and privilege defending these pro-life saints.”
Father Fidelis and Goodman had previously been pardoned by President Donald Trump for violations under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act). Monica Miller from Citizens for a Pro-Life Society commented on their actions: “These four pro-lifers performed an act of love and charity for innocent, helpless unborn children about to be brutally put to death — and they also reached out to their mothers — offering them words of encouragement and practical help.”
This event marked the third Red Rose Rescue in New Jersey since September 2017. The group's interventions are aimed at discouraging abortions through peaceful presence and conversation.
A recent legal challenge against Red Rose Rescue protesters was dismissed by a federal judge in New York. State Attorney General Letitia James's motion claimed violations of buffer zones at Planned Parenthood clinics but was rejected due to lack of evidence.
Upcoming events include rallies organized by Students for Life Action and Students for Life of America on March 28-29, as well as nationwide protests planned by Red Rose Rescue in collaboration with the Pro-Life Action League on April 2.
Kurt Jensen reports from Washington for OSV News.
