Four pro-lifers sentenced for ‘Red Rose Rescue’ action in Michigan

On Friday, November 18, four pro-life activists – Lauren Handy, William Goodman, Patrice Woodworth, and Matthew Connolly – were sentenced to 45 days in county jail for felony convictions relating to a 2019 Red Rose Rescue action which took place at the Women’s Center of Flint and Saginaw in Michigan. 

According to a Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) press release, a Red Rose Rescue is “a direct action in which activists enter abortion businesses, hand out life-affirming literature [and] red roses[,] and offer hope and financial resources to the patients at risk of exploitation by the Abortion Industrial Complex.”

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Another PAAU press release explained: “Each of the activists ha[s] been convicted of felony obstructing an officer for going ‘limp’ during the rescue as well as misdemeanor trespassing and disturbing the peace. These convictions come with a maximum penalty of up to two years in county jail.” 

It will not be the first time these pro-life advocates have seen jail time as a result of their efforts to protect the preborn. Connolly, Goodman, and Woodworth were previously arrested in relation to a New Jersey rescue action. Connolly and Goodman were sentenced to three months’ jail time in relation to a Red Rose Rescue action in New York. Goodman and Handy are among a group arrested by the FBI in March on FACE Act charges in relation to a Washington, D.C., rescue action. And this past summer, Handy served a 30-day term in a Virginia county jail for a rescue action in Alexandria.

Terrisa Bukovinac, Founder and Executive Director of PAAU, stated: 

We are living in the midst of a genocide and it’s no surprise that the institutions which allow for the exploitation and murder of thousands of unborn children in this state are inflicting further oppression onto those like Lauren [Handy], who dare to challenge their agenda. Rescuers across the nation must remain vigilant in our defense of preborn babies and we must not allow violent oppressors to shame or intimidate us out of stopping this injustice. The road may seem bleak but we shall overcome.

The activists were immediately taken into custody after sentencing. They will be held at the Genesee County Jail located at 1002 South Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan.