NEWS PROVIDED BY
Life Legal Defense Foundation
Nov. 26, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 26, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ — The Life Legal Defense Foundation announces a significant development in the case of People v. Hurley, in which pro-life advocate AJ Hurley faced severe felony charges for peaceful pro-life activities at the University of California, San Francisco’s abortion facility. After more than three years of litigation, all felony charges were dismissed in exchange for a plea to the misdemeanor charges, confirming what supporters have long maintained: the charges were inflated and disproportionate to the facts.
Court Rejects Prosecution’s Attempt to Limit Public Attendance
At the outset of the November 17 hearing at the San Francisco Hall of Justice, the prosecutor asked the judge to limit the number of supporters allowed in the courtroom, claiming their presence was “intimidating” to abortionist Eleanor Drey, who was present to offer a victim statement.
Superior Court Judge Stretch immediately denied the request, stating: “On what grounds? This is a public courtroom.” When the prosecutor repeated his demand, the judge responded: “They are acting appropriately, and unless that changes, they are allowed to be here.”
Supporters Gather as Judge Accepts Reduction
Life Legal attorney Allison Aranda—who has represented Hurley throughout the case—attended the hearing alongside AJ, his wife Lori, and numerous supporters who gathered in prayer before entering the courtroom. The acceptance of the misdemeanor agreement brought immense relief, as Hurley faced the possibility of up to 10 years in prison and permanent loss of certain civil rights.
Statements Made in Court
During the hearing, Dr. Drey described how her life had been impacted by Hurley and other pro-life advocates entering the UCSF facility, which conducts late-term abortions and research using fetal remains.
When Hurley addressed the Court, he began with an apology and explained that he and those with him never intended to intimidate anyone but instead sought to raise awareness about the human toll of abortion. He emphasized that violence would never come from him or his fellow advocates, underscoring their commitment to protect unborn children.
As Hurley spoke about the humanity of the unborn, the judge abruptly stopped him at the prosecutor’s request, preventing him from completing his remarks.
Life Legal’s Response
“This case exemplifies the abuse of inflated charges to intimidate peaceful pro-life advocates,” said Attorney Aranda, Life Legal’s Director of Criminal Litigation. “We are grateful to have reached a legal agreement consistent with the facts.”
Life Legal continues to represent Hurley as the case proceeds.
SOURCE Life Legal Defense Foundation
CONTACT: Alexandra Snyder, 707-224-6675, asnyder@lifelegal.org