The Complex Journey of Will Goodman: From Prison to Pardon and Beyond

On January 23, 2025, Will Goodman received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, freeing him from a 27-month sentence for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Goodman had been convicted for his role in a protest at a Washington, D.C. abortion clinic, where he and others attempted to block access to the facility. The pardon was significant not only for Goodman but also for several co-defendants, some of whom were elderly and faced the prospect of dying in prison. Goodman’s release was met with applause from fellow inmates, marking a moment of relief after nearly two years behind bars.

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Goodman's journey into pro-life activism began during his college years at the University of Illinois, where he shifted from engineering to philosophy and became involved in Bible study. Influenced by documentaries depicting the realities of abortion, he committed himself to pro-life work in 1996. His activism included prayer vigils and protests, culminating in the establishment of Red Rose Rescue in 2017, which aimed to provide alternatives to women entering abortion clinics without resorting to confrontation.

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In October 2020, Goodman participated in a protest at a late-term abortion clinic, where he offered information to women and prayed. Although initially released without charges, he and others were later arrested in a series of FBI raids across seven states in May 2022. Goodman was convicted in federal court, leading to his imprisonment. He described his experience in prison as one of reflection and prayer, even amidst the challenges of incarceration.

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Despite the relief the pardon brought, Goodman expressed ambivalence about Trump’s pro-life credentials, noting that the pardon did not seem politically advantageous for the former president. He acknowledged that national pro-life leaders had not actively sought the release of those imprisoned for similar actions. Goodman’s public visibility increased following the pardon, leading to appearances on platforms like Fox News, where he discussed his case and the broader implications for pro-life activism.

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Since his release, Goodman has continued his pro-life work, participating in additional rescue efforts and facing further legal challenges. He was arrested again in the summer following his pardon and was convicted in a separate case in March, resulting in probation. Goodman remains resolute in his beliefs, grappling with the moral complexities of his actions while maintaining that intervening for the sake of life is a fundamental obligation.

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Goodman’s approach to activism has not been without controversy, even within the pro-life movement. He emphasizes nonviolence and moral responsibility, yet acknowledges the potential for dissent regarding his methods. Reflecting on his convictions, Goodman considers the possibility of being wrong about the beginning of life, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to love and protect what he believes to be innocent lives.

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• “I started praying — for the jury, for the judge, for the prosecutors.” — Will Goodman

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• “Goodman frames it less as a strategy than an obligation: if a child were drowning, would trespass be justified?” — Will Goodman

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• “I don’t know if I fully understand it myself,” — Will Goodman

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• “then at least I die trying to love.” — Will Goodman

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Goodman's story illustrates the complexities of activism, legal consequences, and personal conviction within the contentious landscape of the pro-life movement.

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