The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Paul Vaughn, a Tennessee-based anti-abortion activist, following his prosecution and FBI arrest. The settlement, announced by the Thomas More Society, is an unspecified seven-figure amount that resolves Vaughn's claims against the federal government stemming from a 2021 protest at an abortion facility. Vaughn was convicted in 2024 of felony conspiracy against rights and a misdemeanor violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits interference with individuals seeking or providing abortion services. He faced significant prison time before being pardoned by former President Donald Trump in January 2025.
Vaughn's attorneys argue that his actions were limited to peaceful expression, and the settlement is seen as an acknowledgment of overreach by the Biden-era DOJ and FBI. Vaughn expressed gratitude for the pardon and support from his community, stating that his family will continue to advocate for vulnerable individuals. The settlement follows a similar agreement involving another anti-abortion activist, Mark Houck, who was acquitted of a FACE Act charge after his arrest drew criticism. The DOJ has since issued new guidelines limiting FACE Act prosecutions, requiring extraordinary circumstances for such cases. Vaughn's legal representative emphasized that no individual should fear federal law enforcement for engaging in peaceful advocacy.