The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, enacted in 1994, aims to protect individuals seeking access to reproductive health services and religious worship sites by prohibiting threats, obstruction, and violence.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced the FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025 to permanently end a law that bill sponsors claim has too long been weaponized against pro-life Americans.

In Favor of H.R.589

"Americans just spent the last four years being targeted by a weaponized justice system. The FACE Act was one of the primary weapons of abuse — being used to politically target, arrest, and jail pro-life Americans for speaking out and standing up for life.” Congressman Roy said, “While President Trump and his team are already fast at work reversing the damage of the J6 political prosecutions and persecutions through pardons and commutations, I am hopeful those targeted under the FACE Act will be given similar relief.  But importantly, we in Congress need to do our part to eliminate the laws used for the weaponization, including the FACE Act.  Data my office obtained from Merrick Garland's DOJ showed that 97% of FACE Act prosecutions from 1994-2024 were against pro-life Americans.  Now that we have a Republican trifecta in the House, Senate, and White House, Congress should move quickly to repeal this law and ensure that no future president can weaponize it against pro-lifers ever again. No more excuses, let's get it done."

Opponents of H.R.589 argue that the FACE Act ensures that individuals can access reproductive health services, including family planning and abortion care, without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence.  It protects healthcare providers and staff, ensuring they can perform their duties safely and without obstruction. By criminalizing violent and obstructive actions, the Act helps reduce instances of harm and potential escalation of conflict at clinics. It serves as a deterrent against acts such as bombings, arson, and physical assaults, which were prevalent before its enactment.  The Act does not prevent peaceful protests or lawful demonstrations but draws a line at violent and obstructive actions, promoting a more civil approach to advocacy.

Should Congress pass H.R.589, the FACE Act Repeal Act?