Trial of DC Pro-Life ‘Rescuers’ to Begin Aug. 9

Conspiracy charge raises the stakes for activists

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest vigil sponsored by The Christian Defense Coalition and Priests for Life outside of the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Carol Whitehill Moses Center on Jan. 17, 2019. Zach Gibson/Getty Images

Several people accused of violating federal law by conspiring to obstruct access to an abortion clinic three years ago are going to trial in Washington on Aug. 9.

The defendants are charged with “conspiracy against rights” and conspiracy under section 248 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which is part of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.