NASHVILLE, Tenn.—A Christian pro-life activist, Calvin Zastrow, was sentenced to six months in federal prison on Wednesday for his role in a demonstration outside an abortion clinic that blocked access, in violation of federal law.
U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger also imposed three years of supervised release on Zastrow, who is expected to report to prison by Oct. 1, according to The Daily Wire. He was not fined.
Zastrow was among several individuals initially indicted for obstructing the entrance to the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mt. Juliet, a Nashville suburb, on March 15, 2021. The group gathered, sang hymns and urged women not to proceed with abortions.
Seven defendants faced conspiracy charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, while others faced misdemeanors carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine.
A federal jury found the protesters guilty in January, and they were set to be sentenced this month.
During sentencing at the federal courthouse, Zastrow, citing his Christian faith, expressed his belief that “children are a blessing from God” and stated that he lives his life “under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”
For Zastrow, the six-month federal prison sentence imposed upon him is a testament to his unwavering commitment to a higher authority than man’s law, the law of God.
According to Operation Rescue, Zastrow quoted the book of Revelation in the courtroom, declaring, “Worthy is the Lamb!”
The presiding judge was Judge Aleta Trauger, a progressive appointed by then-President Clinton. She reportedly rebuffed Zastrow’s religious comments, stating she did not need to hear a sermon and suggesting his “religious fervor” had caused harm to others.
Two other demonstrators, Coleman Boyd and Dennis Green, received sentences of six months of house arrest and three years of probation.
Zastrow has a history of participating in pro-life protests at abortion clinics, including a 2019 legal challenge in Ohio where a judge ruled in his favor, affirming his right to peaceful protest.
In an interview last year with The Epoch Times, Zastrow explained his ongoing protests, asserting, “Because they’re still killing people. Let’s stop pretending that everything is OK. I pray for more people to love Jesus enough, to love their pre-born neighbors as themselves.”
Paul Vaughn, another protester, wasn’t sentenced to prison but was mandated to three years of supervised release by Judge Trauger. Vaughn, a U.S. Navy veteran and father of 11, plans to appeal the verdict, viewing his actions as non-violent and part of a spiritual battle.
Supporters gathered outside the federal court, singing hymns and praying during the sentencing proceedings, according to The Daily Wire.
