Paul Hill Convicted Under New Federal Law for Violent Pro-Abortion Protest

Strategic Insights -

Paul J. Hill, a former Presbyterian minister, was convicted on federal charges for attempting to thwart abortions at a Pensacola clinic in 1993, resulting in the deaths of two people and the injury of a third. This is the first case brought to trial under the newly enacted Federal law aimed at combating violence against clinics and abortion providers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Paul J. Hill, a former Presbyterian minister, was convicted on three counts of interfering with and injuring those involved in the delivery of reproductive services and one count of using a firearm in the commission of a crime.
  • The conviction came under the new Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison for Hill.
  • Hill still faces state murder charges, with a possible death penalty if convicted, scheduled to start on January 30.
  • The jury deliberated for less than two hours after Hill, representing himself, chose not to call any witnesses or cross-examine prosecution witnesses.
  • Hill argued a justification, or necessity, defense, which was denied by the judge, leading him to represent himself without counsel.
  • Patricia Ireland, president of the National Organization for Women, stated that the verdict sends a strong message against anti-abortion violence, while Donna Bray, founder of the Defenders of the Defenders of Life, expressed support for Hill's actions.
  • Judge Vinson gave wide latitude to Hill's lawyers to lay a foundation for a justification defense but ultimately ruled that any such claim was "strained at best" in this case.
  • Paul Hill's single statement to the jury was, "This Government is unjust because it does not protect human life. To the extent that we take part in this evil, we will answer to God, and may God have mercy on us all."

Statistics:

  • Three people were involved in the shootings: Doctors John B. Britton and the Barretts (James H. Barrett and June Barrett).
  • The shooting occurred on July 29, 1993.
  • Paul Hill was convicted on three counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law.
  • He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison under this law.
  • The trial lasted three days, with the jury deliberating for less than two hours.
  • The new law was enacted to combat increasing violence against clinics and abortion providers around the country.
  • 24 prosecution witnesses testified in the trial.
  • The forensic pathologist used foot-long knitting needles to pinpoint the wounds on life-sized foam mannequins used to illustrate the buckshot impacts on the victims.
  • Nearly all controlling legal precedents state that abortion up to 26 weeks after conception is legal and not viewed as a recognizable harm, making a justification defense for violence against it strained.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Associated Press
  • National Organization for Women
  • Defenders of the Defenders of Life
  • The American Center for Law and Justice