Image – Facebook: @maison.deschamps
Maison DesChamps, known as the “pro-life Spiderman”, has been sentenced to 45 days in jail and fined $75,000 after climbing the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2024, an act he says was carried out to support a vulnerable pregnant woman.
DesChamps, who has gained attention for scaling skyscrapers to raise money for women facing crisis pregnancies, undertook the climb to help a homeless woman named Isabel who was considering abortion. The stunt ultimately raised more than $47,000 and according to reports Isabel chose to continue her pregnancy.
There is no question that DesChamps broke the law. He did not have permission to carry out the climb, and authorities say the incident caused significant damage to the structure (something he denies). He later pleaded guilty, with charges against others involved in filming the climb dropped as part of the agreement.
However, the severity of the sentence has prompted debate about proportionality, particularly given the motive behind his actions.
DesChamps did not act for personal gain. His aim was to raise funds and awareness for a woman in an extremely difficult situation, described as homeless, without stable income, and facing pressure to abort her child. His actions, though unlawful, were directed towards preserving life rather than harming it.
Critics argue that this context matters. In a society where abortion is widely permitted and often publicly funded, it appears inconsistent that someone acting to support a woman in choosing life faces a custodial sentence and substantial financial penalty.
The case also highlights a wider issue. While significant resources are directed towards expanding access to abortion, far less attention is given to supporting women who feel they have no option but to end their pregnancy. DesChamps’ fundraising effort, unconventional as it was, addressed that gap directly.
There is also a human dimension to the sentence. DesChamps’ wife is currently pregnant with their first child, and he is due to become a father within weeks. His absence during this time will have consequences not only for him, but for his family.
Speaking on the matter SPUC’s Executive Director, Michael Robinson said: “Whilst SPUC does not condone law breaking, it is a sad reflection of Western societies that scaling a building and risking one’s own life has become almost necessary to get people talking about and fundraising for women and babies affected by our easy-abortion culture. On top of this it is imperative that the criminal proceedings from the stunt will not keep this passionate Christian father away from the birth of his first-born baby.
“We thank DeChamps for his willingness to stick his head above the parapet through his dramatic activism.”
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