Heather Idoni, a 59-year-old Michigan woman, was handed a two-year prison sentence for her involvement in a blockade at an abortion clinic, the Justice Department announced yesterday. Idoni was one of a group of protestors accused of a coordinated effort to obstruct a Washington, D.C. clinic from providing reproductive health services.

The sentencing followed a decision by the U.S. District Court where Idoni became the ninth member of the alleged conspiracy to be sentenced. Legally reprimanded for violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, she is now facing two years behind bars. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke characterized the defendants' actions as a breach of the law, saying, “Federal law is clear: using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful.”

These convictions are part of a larger crackdown on clinic blockade conspiracies. Another conspirator, Jay Smith of New York, was previously sentenced to a 10-month prison term along with three years of supervised release, for his guilty plea in the same conspiracy. The case has been highlighted by authorities as a clear example of taking a stand against the violation of civil liberties about health care access.

At trial, evidence was presented that showed the defendants, including Idoni, using their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes to blockade the doors of the clinic. The chaos escalated as their actions were live-streamed on social media. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves underscored the commitment to upholding citizens' rights, stating,  “This office will continue to defend and protect the right of every citizen to access health care.”

The Justice Department's pursuit of these cases sends a message that obstruction of medical services through force or intimidation will not be tolerated.