Published on July 6, 2024, 12:43 am

Image source: Fox News

In a recent breaking news from Nashville, Tennessee, Calvin Zastrow, a pro-life advocate, was sentenced to six months in federal jail and three years of supervised release on Wednesday. The ruling followed Zastrow’s conviction earlier this year for breaching legislation preventing the obstruction of abortion clinics’ access. No fine was imposed on him, but he is expected to report himself to prison by October 1.

This conviction originated from an event that took place on March 15, 2021, when Zastrow and ten others were charged with barricading the entrance of Carafem Health Center Clinic in the suburb of Mt. Juliet in Nashville. Singing hymns and persuading women against proceeding with planned abortions marked their peaceful protest.

The eleven individuals faced counts ranging from conspiracy charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act to misdemeanors that carried penalties up to one year imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. A federal jury deemed them guilty by January 2023.

During his sentencing at the federal courthouse, Zastrow reportedly affirmed that his Christian worldview motivated his partaking in the pro-life demonstration as he believes “children are a blessing from God.” Notably active in pro-life protests over several years, Zastrow has notably portrayed his stance through legal pleas as well. In 2019, he successfully championed his right—and that of his daughter—to peacefully demonstrate outside abortion clinics in a case against Toledo city officials at the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio.

Zastrow maintains dedication towards protesting at abortion clinics out of conviction that life remains threatened therein—viewing this as deeply affiliated with loving Jesus and showing love towards unborn children as fellow humans.

Several other protesters present alongside Zastrow during the Carafem episode were also sentenced on Wednesday – Coleman Boyd and Dennis Green received respective punishments consisting of six months house arrest coupled with three-year probation periods.

Also involved in the incident, Paul Vaughn, an eleven-times father and ardent Christian escaped prison time at his Tuesday sentencing. U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger issued him a penalty of three years supervised release. Although noting that the protesters appeared to impose their religious beliefs upon others, Judge Trauger observed that their demonstration remained nonviolent.

Displaying an outpouring of support for the sentenced individuals, over one hundred backers arrived outside the federal court during this week’s sentencings—singing hymns and praying for those affected, demonstrating the long-standing debate surrounding abortion rights from a Christian worldview.

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