US Justice Department meets anti-abortion advocates after firings

The US Justice Department met with anti-abortion advocates Wednesday, hours after firing several employees accused of working too closely with abortion-rights groups during the previous administration, NBC News reported.

John Mize, chief executive of Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion advocacy organization, said he met officials from the department’s Civil Rights Division and praised a report issued by a Trump administration working group.

The report alleges the Justice Department under former President Joe Biden worked closely with abortion-rights organizations to enforce the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a 1994 law aimed at protecting abortion clinics and patients from threats and violence.

The Trump administration said it fired at least four employees linked to that work, describing the move as part of efforts to address what it called misuse of the department.

Mize said he welcomed the action, calling the reported collaboration between prosecutors and advocacy groups “troubling.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also criticized past prosecutors, saying they worked “hand in hand” with outside organizations.

A Justice Department spokesperson said the Civil Rights Division routinely meets with groups with differing views but sets priorities based on the administration’s policies.