Republican representatives in the House are rallying for accountability from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) over critical reports that two elderly, anti-abortion women in their custody were denied essential medical care.
Leading the charge, House Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chairmen Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Andy Harris (R-MD) expressed their grave concerns in a letter to USMS Director Ronald Davis and BOP Director Colette Peters. They demanded a detailed explanation regarding the treatment of Ms. Jean Marshall, 74, and Heather Idoni, 59, both known for their staunch pro-life activism.
Smith and Harris insist on a complete and transparent account of the medical services provided to Marshall and Idoni while under USMS oversight. The lawmakers stressed the urgency for Ms. Marshall to receive necessary care and sought assurances that Idoni would receive appropriate medical attention if transferred to BOP custody. This crusade for justice is supported by Judiciary subcommittee members Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Chip Roy (R-TX), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Debbie Lesko (R-AZ).
Both Marshall and Idoni were convicted for their participation in blocking access to an abortion clinic in Northwest Washington, D.C. in October 2020, under the controversial Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Since then, these brave women have faced imprisonment—Idoni since August 2023 and Marshall since September 2023.
Marshall’s situation deteriorated when she received an additional 15-month sentence in May. Idoni, who is due for sentencing soon, also faces charges in a separate Tennessee clinic blockade. The Justice Department reports that she will be sentenced on July 30 for conspiracy charges related to the FACE Act.
Tragically, Idoni reportedly suffered a stroke two weeks ago and underwent surgery to place three stents near her heart. Despite being prescribed daily heart medication, she claims not to have received any doses since her stroke. Her attempts to raise the issue with prison authorities were dismissed, with a nurse allegedly citing falsified jail records that falsely indicated she had received her medication. Idoni’s underlying diabetes has also been neglected, leaving her without essential prescriptions, sparking fear for her life.
Marshall’s plight is equally dire. Denied hip surgery she desperately needs, she has struggled immensely with mobility, suffering two emergency room visits during her incarceration. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips, Marshall was scheduled for surgery in October 2023, which was cruelly canceled by prison authorities.
The lawmakers have set a deadline of Friday for responses from Davis and Peters. As they await answers, the nation watches closely, demanding justice for these women and highlighting the broader issues within the federal prison system.
