A pro-life protester was sentenced to six months in federal prison in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday for blocking access to an abortion clinic.
Calvin Zastrow was also given three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger and is expected to self-report to prison by October 1. He received no fine.
According to The Christian Post Zastrow was among eleven people indicted in October 2022 for obstructing the entrance to the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mt. Juliet, a suburb of Nashville, on 15th March 2021. The group gathered at the entrance, sang hymns, and encouraged women not to proceed with their abortions.
Seven of the defendants faced conspiracy charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, while the others were charged with misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine. A federal jury found the protesters guilty in January.
During his sentencing, Zastrow cited his Christian faith as the motivation for his actions, stating that "children are a blessing from God" and that he strives to live "under the Lordship of Jesus Christ." According to Operation Rescue, Zastrow shouted "Worthy is the Lamb!" from the book of Revelation after his sentencing.
Judge Trauger, appointed by President Clinton, reportedly dismissed Zastrow's remarks, indicating she did not need to hear a sermon and stating that his "religious fervor" had caused pain to others.
Two other protesters, Coleman Boyd and Dennis Green, received six months of house arrest and three years' probation.
Zastrow has been active in pro-life protests for years. In 2019, he successfully sued the city of Toledo, its police chief, and two officers after being stopped from demonstrating outside an abortion clinic.
In a 2023 interview with The Epoch Times, Zastrow explained his continued protests: "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 and father of 11, avoided prison time during his sentencing by Judge Trauger. He received three years of supervised release. Despite claiming that Vaughn and others were "imposing their religious beliefs on other people," the judge acknowledged their demonstration was non-violent and considered Vaughn's military service and community respect.
Vaughn plans to appeal the judge's verdict and described his sentence as part of a broader spiritual battle in the nation.
Over 100 supporters gathered outside the federal court during the sentencing, singing hymns and praying, according to The Daily Wire.