President Donald Trump made headlines this week when he pardoned 21 pro-life activists who had been convicted under a controversial federal law.

What's more, a recent move by his administration suggests that there won't be any similar prosecutions for a while. 

Biden DOJ used FACE Act to go after non-violent pro-life demonstrators

At issue is a piece of legislation passed over three decades ago known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

The Department of Justice explains it "prohibits threats of force, obstruction and property damage intended to interfere with reproductive health care services."

The law was used under former President Joe Biden to prosecute non-violent pro-life demonstrators, including grandmother of eight Joan Bell, who was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.

"We are so grateful to Trump," the 76-year-old was quoted as telling Fox News after receiving a pardon from the new president.

FACE Act will only be used in "extraordinary circumstances"

"And to just feel the fresh air, God's beautiful air, just wonderful," she continued before adding, "Just being out and being with my husband, my son, just glorious. There are no words to describe that kind of freedom."

Pro-life activist prosecuted by Biden DOJ reacts to Trump pardon: 'I want to give him a hug' https://t.co/FByMN8hUuq

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 24, 2025

According to the New York Post, Justice Department chief of staff Chad Mizelle sent a memo to DOJ employees which instructed them to limit use of the FACE Act.

Under the new guidelines which Mizelle laid out, FACE Act prosecutions will only take place in "extraordinary circumstances" where "significant aggravating factors" are present.

"President Donald Trump campaigned on the promise of ending the weaponization of the federal government and has recently directed all federal departments and agencies to identify and correct the past weaponization of law enforcement," Mizelle pointed out.

Biden administration failed to prosecute crimes by pro-abortion activists

"To many Americans, prosecutions and civil actions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (‘FACE Act’) have been the prototypical example of this weaponization. And with good reason," the official continued.

Mizelle also highlighted the fact that the Biden administration showed far less enthusiasm when it came to prosecuting crimes by pro-abortion advocates.

This was despite the fact that "more than 100 crisis pregnancy centers, pro-life organizations, and churches were attacked in the immediate aftermath" of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.