One of the five anti-abortion protesters, Lauren Handy, found guilty in August 2023 of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, is facing renewed legal challenges.
Handy and her fellow protesters had entered the Washington-Surgi abortion clinic in Washington, D.C., in 2020, the same clinic from which the alleged aborted babies were obtained.
Legal Agreement for Autopsy Examination
During Handy’s trial, her defense attorney, Michael Cannon, asserted that he had an agreement with the medical examiner’s office for a privately obtained forensic pathologist to examine the aborted babies before the proceedings.
This examination was considered crucial to the case, given the circumstances under which the babies died and their relevance to sentencing.
Obstacles in the Autopsy Process
Despite the initial agreement, the private autopsy never took place as the appointed pathologist became unable to conduct the examination.
Cannon expressed concerns about the DOJ’s influence on the medical examiner’s office, questioning the reasons behind such directives.
He emphasized the importance of examining the babies not only for Handy’s case but also due to the potential federal crimes involved in the circumstances of their deaths.
DOJ’s Influence and Broader Implications
Cannon raised questions about the Department of Justice (DOJ) exerting influence over the examiner’s office, emphasizing that there should be no apparent reason for such sway.
He highlighted the broader need to examine the babies, as federal crimes might have occurred, particularly regarding potential illegal partial-birth abortions.
Legal Repercussions and DOJ’s Awareness
Cannon asserted that the DOJ is aware of the potential federal crimes associated with the babies’ deaths.
He stressed the urgency of examining the circumstances, given the 50% chance that two of the babies might have been born alive and left to die.
The legal implications extend beyond Handy’s case, encompassing a general need to investigate the possibility of illegal activities.
Seeking Answers: Inquiries to DOJ and Medical Examiner’s Office
In light of these developments, inquiries were made to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia on Tuesday.
The DOJ referred the queries to the D.C. medical examiner’s office for comments on the ongoing legal situation.
Conclusion: Unraveling Legal Complexities
As Lauren Handy faces ongoing legal challenges, questions surrounding the autonomy of the medical examiner’s office and the potential involvement of the DOJ continue to be central to the case.
The complexities of legal proceedings and the need for thorough examinations underscore the broader implications of the controversial events at the Washington-Surgi abortion clinic.
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