16 Arrested at HHS Headquarters Protesting Abortion Pill Deregulation
One of the Detainees Available for Interviews
Location: Washington, D.C.
Date: January 24, 2026
Time of Arrests: 9:55 AM
Where: HHS Headquarters, 200 Independence Ave SW
NEWS HOOK (WHY THIS MATTERS NOW)
- 16 pro-life activists arrested in a high-profile blockade outside HHS headquarters.
- Protest targets the abortion pill (mifepristone)—now responsible for the majority of U.S. abortions.
- Despite Roe v. Wade being overturned, abortions surged from 630,000 (2019) to 1.14 million (2024).
- The protest directly challenges the Trump/Vance administration, accusing it of quietly continuing Biden-era abortion pill policies.
- Action occurs days before the National March for Life, headlined by Vice President JD Vance—creating political tension and immediate media relevance.
CORE ALLEGATION
Activists say the Trump/Vance administration has failed to reinstate critical safety regulations on mifepristone, including:
- In-person doctor visits
- Medical oversight safeguards
They also allege:
- HHS approved a generic abortion pill under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Federal funds overseen by HHS were quietly released to Planned Parenthood
- Public pro-life messaging conflicts with actual federal policy actions
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED
- Let Them Live
- Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU)
- Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
- Rescue Resurrection
- Citizens for a Pro-Life Society
- Pro-Life San Francisco
- Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
KEY SPEAKERS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
- Nathan Berning – Co-Founder, Let Them Live
- Terrisa Bukovinac – Founder, Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU)
- Marjorie Dannenfelser – President, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
- Randall Terry – Organizer, Rescue Resurrection
- Dr. Monica Miller – Founder, Citizens for a Pro-Life Society
- Sr. Dede Byrne – Little Workers for the Sacred Hearts
- Fr. Fidelis Moscinski – Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
- Herb Geraghty – FACE Act defendant, Trump pardonee
- Melanie Salazar – Director, Pro-Life San Francisco
STRONG SOUND BITES
- Terrisa Bukovinac:
- “This administration’s lack of action is enabling state-sanctioned mass killing. Being arrested is a small sacrifice in the face of genocide.”
- Constance Becker:
- “The abortion pill is violence—against unborn children and against women. Our wombs should not be sites of force.”
- Melanie Salazar:
- “Abortion pills suffocate tiny human beings. Preborn people deserve protection from this violence.”
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW ANGLES
- Why abortions actually INCREASED after Roe was overturned
- Is the abortion pill the real post-Roe battleground?
- Are Trump and Vance out of step with pro-life voters?
- Is there a disconnect between March for Life rhetoric and federal policy?
- Are abortion pills putting women at medical risk?
- Are additional future protests planned with activists risking arrest?
SUGGESTED TV CHYRONS
- 16 Arrested at HHS in Abortion Pill Protest
- Pro-Life Activists Target Abortion Pill Policies
- Why Abortions Rose After Roe Was Overturned
- Trump Admin Under Fire Over Abortion Pill
- Protesters Demand Ban on Abortion Drugs
- March for Life Looms Amid Policy Backlash
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001 jerry@specialguest.com
Elise Ketch (703) 887-6392 press@paaunow.org
