A federal court ruling has temporarily halted the sentencing of seven pro-life activists in Michigan.

A federal judge's decision to pause the legal proceedings reflects anticipation of a policy change once President-elect Donald Trump takes office, The Daily Wire reported.

The case involves seven defendants, including 89-year-old Eva Edl, who were convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and additional conspiracy charges. They had staged a peaceful protest at a Michigan abortion facility, which led to their legal battle.

In September, a jury found the activists guilty of conspiracy to interfere with the rights of the clinic's staff and patrons by blocking access during the demonstration. This verdict led to their pending sentencing, which has now been put on hold by Judge Matthew Leitman, an appointee of former President Barack Obama.

Pro-Life Activists Face Up To A Decade In Prison

The activists are at risk of facing severe penalties, with potential imprisonment of up to ten years. Eva Edl, along with her co-defendants Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips, and Cal Zastrow and his daughter Eva Zastrow, are all embroiled in these legal proceedings.

Judge Leitman has yet to rule on several motions put forth by the defense that seek to dismiss the convictions. During this interim, the judge has set a status conference for the week of March 24, 2025, to review the case and determine the stance of the new administration on this matter.

Judge Awaits Changes In DOJ Policy Under Trump

The push to pause the sentencing aligns with Trump's campaign discourse, where he spoke vehemently about examining the cases dubbed “political incarcerations." He made specific references to individuals implicated under the FACE Act during his campaign speeches.

During a pivotal hearing, Judge Leitman mentioned that the upcoming changes in the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration might render the ongoing legal proceedings unnecessary. This comment suggested an expected shift toward a more lenient handling of similar cases under Trump’s presidency.

Critics of the prosecution have argued that the charges against these pro-life advocates were disproportionately severe and more politically motivated to shield the abortion industry rather than to address actual legal infractions.

This viewpoint was reiterated by Steve Crampton, a lawyer from the Thomas More Society, who commended the judge's decision to anticipate potential changes at the DOJ.

Advocacy For Pardons Under New Leadership

The Thomas More Society, which is representing the defendants, is also preparing to formally petition for pardons, which Trump had indicated he would consider for similar cases during his tenure. These petitions aim to completely absolve the activists from the consequences of their convictions.

This development casts a spotlight on Trump's intended policies, which could contrast sharply with the actions of the previous administration. During his campaign, Trump had pledged to address what he described as the unjust treatment of peaceful pro-life protesters, often referring to the harsh methods used in their arrests.

A scheduled status hearing by Judge Leitman on March 25, 2025, is expected to be a crucial next step. This session is intended to gather insights from the government’s trial team regarding any changes in their approach to the case.

The implications of this delay extend beyond the immediate future of the seven activists. It also underscores a broader political and legal shift potentially awaiting America’s judicial landscape regarding abortion rights and the right to protest.