Category: Press Releases

For Immediate Release

  • Are Anti-Abortion Activists Determined to Topple Their Pro-Life Governor?

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    New Mexico governor Susana Martinez has come under fire from anti-abortion groups for not doing enough to help their cause.”

    “What good is having a governor that will only give lip service to the Prolife cause? We must hold her feet to the fire!” Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor at Operation Rescue

    Here is a sneak peak of the hard-hitting piece by Cosmopolitan…

    “Does a local group like Protest ABQ have enough clout that their disapproval could keep a politician off a short list for higher office? It’s difficult to say. On the one hand, it is just a few dozen “no-exceptions” anti-abortion activists from a low-population state. On the other, the Shavers were sent to the city at the request of Operation Rescue in Kansas and make up just one strand of a tight web of extreme pro-life groups that believe in protecting life from fertilization to natural death, groups that exist all throughout the country — from the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust in California to Priests for Life in New York. It’s a nationwide network that is highly engaged in electoral politics and grassroots campaigning.”

    Read the SURPRISINGLY fair and hard-hitting article from Cosmo here: Are Anti-Abortion Activists Determined to Topple Their Pro-Life Governor?

  • Lobos of Death: A Look at the Radical Abortion Agenda at the University of New Mexico

    Lobos of Death: A Look at the Radical Abortion Agenda at the University of New Mexico

    This is the second installment in a series of exposés highlighting the UNM’s involvement in the Abortion Cartel. (Read Part One)

    By Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life

    Albuquerque, NM- The University of New Mexico (UNM) is at the heart of the abortion industry in the Land of Enchantment.

    During our four years of work in Albuquerque, the home of the Lobos, we discovered that the abortion culture is deeply entrenched at this publicly-funded institution and expanding – all at taxpayers’ expense.

    Little can New Mexico afford to pour hundreds of thousands of hard-earned tax dollars in to UNM’s abortion business. It is one of the poorest states in the nation, ranking Number 1 for child hunger and Number 2 for adult hunger according to the Huffington Post. In 2013, New Mexico ranked last in the nation for child well-being, climbing only one spot to 49th in 2014.

    Could it be that New Mexico’s flagship institution is contributing to these troubling statistics by wasting its resources on its enormous abortion program?

    “Our tax dollars would be better spent actually helping to bring children out of poverty instead of being doled out to the University of New Mexico to kill them,” said Bud Shaver of Project Defending Life.

    Deadly Expansion

    In 2007, UNM launched its free-standing abortion clinic, the UNM Center for Reproductive Health (UNMCRH), which conducts abortions up to 22 weeks gestation, or over half way through pregnancy.

    In addition to this off-campus freestanding abortion clinic, there is also a clinic on campus performing abortions up to 11.5 weeks gestation. Known as the Family Practice Center, it offers specialized services in ObGyn through the Department of Family Practice at UNM.

    Essentially UNM is running two abortions clinics.

    On April 1, 2014, the UNMCRH opened a new 8,000 square-foot facility that was approved by the UNM Medical Group Finance Committee and Council of Chairs. UNMCRH is managed by the UNM Medical Group, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, and is staffed by UNM Hospital physicians.

    While 6,000 feet of this new facility is dedicated to the UNMCRH for abortions, 2,000 feet is designated to a newly formed Young Women’s Center, which is a collaboration between the ObGyn and Pediatrics Departments. A call placed to the YWC staff revealed that the center is primarily a birth control clinic for minors.

    “When minor children fail to use birth control or exercise poor judgment that minor children are known to do from time to time, they become ready customers for the UNM’s abortion business,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue, which partners with Project Defending Life. “It is troubling that the UNM would be exploiting children in this way.”

    But the exploitation doesn’t stop there.

    UNM also has a presence through School Based Health Centers in two Albuquerque high schools, three middle schools, and one elementary school. The Adolescent Division of UNM proudly boasts that their “physicians are comfortable seeing teenagers with any sort of problem, from acne to contraception.”

    There can be no doubt that UNM has a specific agenda to promote the abortion culture to minors, which should be extremely troubling to the parents of these young people.

    Abortion Training and the ACGME

    UNM is currently one of 68 universities that participate in the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Program in Abortion and Family Planning. The Ryan Program, founded in 1999, is a national initiative whose mission is to embed abortion training into residency programs throughout the United States and Canada.

    In 1996, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandated that ob-gyn residency education must include access to experience with induced abortion. This mandate has become an excuse for keeping UNM’s free standing abortion clinic open.

    However, ACGME Obstetrics and Gynecology Program Requirement IV.A.2.d states:

    No program or resident with a religious or moral objection shall be required to provide training in or to perform induced abortions. Otherwise, access to experience with induced abortion must be part of residency education. This education can be provided outside the institution. [Emphasis added]

    It is clear that UNM is not required to run their own freestanding abortion clinic to train medical residents to perform abortions.

    The ACGME further states that abortion training programs are required to provide residents with the ability to “opt out” of the programs and even acknowledges that there may be instances where every resident declines to participate in abortion training.

    Because of this, Project Defending Life recently launched an ad campaign in the UNM Daily Lobo, the official campus newspaper, informing students of their right to decline to participate in abortion training and encouraging students to exercise their right to opt-out.

    Funding

    If abortion training at a UNM facility isn’t mandatory, why is UNM so determined to keep the UNMCRH running? Perhaps the motive is where the profit is.

    UNMCRH has an average annual revenue of nearly $2 million. So far in 2014, the clinic has brought in $1.7 million, with $750,000 of that being paid out by New Mexico’s Medicaid program. That means 44% of UNMCRH’s income comes from state Medicaid coffers.

    Furthermore, 2013 New Mexico Medicaid information obtained through a public records request shows that 17 of the 34 abortionists that received state Medicaid funding for abortions were UNM employees.

    UNM is propagating an agenda of death using taxpayer money earmarked for healthcare that is in no way benefitting the health of the citizens of New Mexico.

    UNM has demonstrated its commitment to promote and expand abortion in this poverty-ridden state through training of new abortionists and the exploitation of minors through their new Young Women’s Center and public school birth control clinics.

    In case there is any further doubt of UNM’s deep commitment to the killing of innocent children in the womb, this year, it promoted abortionist Eve Espy of the UNMCRH to ObGyn Chair for the UNM School of Medicine. In validation of Espy’s radical abortion agenda, she was presented with the 2014 Margaret Sanger Award by New Mexico Planned Parenthood for “her leadership and outstanding contributions to the reproductive health and rights movement in New Mexico.”

    The centerpiece of her contributions, unmentioned by Planned Parenthood, was more dead New Mexico children.

    “Abortion currently touches all aspects of The University of New Mexico, a publicly funded institution. Why should the people of New Mexico be taxed to support UNM and not know about UNM’s involvement in pre-born child killing? Why should the people of New Mexico be given no opportunity to decide how they want their most prestigious institution and only medical school to represent their standards and values? Now is the time to end Albuquerque’s reputation as the Abortion Capital of the Southwest and the Late Term Abortion Capital of the Nation starting with UNM. We urge them to abandon their radical abortion agenda,” stated Fr. Stephen Imbarrato Founder of Project Defending Life.

    Members of Project Defending Life have met with UNM Regents, including the Board of Regents President Jack Fortner, and the Health Sciences Center Dean, Paul Roth, to express concerns about the blatant disregard for human life at UNM. Unfortunately, those meetings were to no avail.

    We invite the public to voice concerns about the UNM’s heavy involvement in abortion to Dr. Paul Roth.

    Contact :

    Paul B. Roth, MD, MS
    Chancellor for Health Sciences
    CEO, UNM Health System
    Dean, School of Medicine
    Phone: (505) 272-5849
    E-mail: PRoth@salud.unm.edu

  • Call To Action: UNM Pushes Depraved Sex Agenda

    Call To Action: UNM Pushes Depraved Sex Agenda

    By Tara Shaver

    Albuquerque, NM- The University of New Mexico is hosting it’s first ever “Sex Week” starting today. The store manager at Self Serve Sexuality Resource Center in Albuquerque is collaborating with the on campus Women’s Resource Center to organize this weeks events.

    This year’s theme is said to be preventing sexual assault but the events are being promoted to celebrate shame free sex with seminars titled “How to be a Gentleman AND Get Laid” and “Reid’s Negotiating Successful Threesomes.”

    UNM has had a history of sexual assaults; the most recent accusation came from a student earlier this year. In July 2014 the ABQ Journal Newspaper reported that “According to UNM’s website, where its stats are posted, two sexual assaults were reported in 2008; six in 2009; two in both 2010 and 2011; and four in 2012. Numbers for 2013 will come out around September, according to Lt. Tim Stump, public information officer for UNM police”.

    However, 1 in 5 students nationwide – usually female – are sexually assaulted during their college years. There is a disturbing trend on college campuses and cases of sexual assault. Over sexualizing students does not seem to be a positive preventative method. This week’s events will likely only drive students to be more sexually active and creates a climate on campus, which results in heightened sexual assault, sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies and inevitably abortion.

    While these events are getting a varied response from students on campus, the general public should be asking UNM, “Why we the tax payer should be forced to fund such activities at a public institution?”

    Please contact the UNM President and Dean of Students and respectfully tell them that UNM should not be sexualizing students on the taxpayer’s dime and allowing a climate to be created with which sexual assaults can arise.

    President Robert G. Frank
    Phone: 505-277-2626
    unmpres@unm.edu

    Dean of Students, Dr. Tomás A. Aguirre
    Phone: 505-277-3361
    doso@unm.edu

    Also be sure to check out this great article published in the UNM Daily Lobo, “University is no place to discuss sexual behavior” by Sade Patterson, Vice President of Students for Life

    More dysfunction at UNM: Lobos of Death: A Look at the Radical Abortion Agenda at the University of New Mexico

     

  • Tax Funded Abortions on the Rise in New Mexico While Overall Abortions on the Decline

    Tax Funded Abortions on the Rise in New Mexico While Overall Abortions on the Decline

    By Tara Shaver

    Albuquerque, NM — Since 2008, New Mexico’s abortion rate has been on a steady decline. This is great news in a state where abortions are performed through all nine months of pregnancy without restriction. However, that news is tempered by the fact that abortions funded by tax dollars are on the rise.

    According to New Mexico vital statistics, 3,134 abortions were performed in 2012, a significant decrease of 2,002 abortions from 2008 figures when 5,136 abortions were performed. This represents a 39 percent decrease in abortions over a five-year period.

    This overall reduction in abortion can be attributed to public outreach through ministries like Project Defending Life, whose efforts include prayer and protests at local abortion clinics and serving women when they choose not to abort. Also, education has played a big role in decreasing abortion at a city level in Albuquerque, home to 3 of the 5 remaining abortion clinics in the state, through church outreach and a steady stream of local media coverage of abortion injuries and the lack of clinical oversight.

    “When the community at large knows how precarious abortions are and when women themselves know the risks involved, women choose not to pursue an abortion. Since New Mexico has adopted no common-sense legislation regarding abortion, all of the successes must be attributed to those who faithfully work day in and day out to end abortions one woman and child at a time,” stated Bud Shaver, Executive Director of Protest ABQ.

    While overall abortion numbers have decreased, tax funded abortions through New Mexico Medicaid saw a 20 percent increase over the previous year’s numbers. New Mexico is one of 15 states to fully fund abortions, not using any federal funds but state funds. This forces everyday citizens to foot the bill for dangerous and deadly abortions.

    In 2013, 811 abortions were billed to the state, costing taxpayers $160,007.51.

    The largest portion of these abortions was performed at the state’s late term abortion clinic, Southwestern Women’s Options where the very latest of abortions are done. SWO employs Susan Robinson and Shelley Sella who reside in California; their net income in 2013 from New Mexico Medicaid was $74,770.78 for performing 335 abortions.

    The University of New Mexico performed 126 Medicaid funded abortions in 2013, which cost taxpayers $24,729.65.

    Protest ABQ has prepared the chart that details the amounts paid to abortion providers in New Mexico for abortions in 2013.

    Click Here To View Chart

    Each year that goes by without any action from the state’s legislature and Governor, out-of-state abortionists will continue to bilk New Mexico taxpayers while evading their own state’s laws that prohibit the very abortion procedures that are so profitable for them in New Mexico. This is just another way New Mexico has become the “go to” place for extremely late abortions, drawing not only out-of-state abortionists but also women seeking abortions beyond the legal limits in their home states.

    This report is being published one week after members of Protest ABQ met with Governor Susana Martinez, once again urging her to reign in the out of control and unregulated abortion industry that is costing tax payers big money in New Mexico.

    Protest ABQ is leading the charge to protect life and is calling on pro-life groups to join us for a National Call to Action involving national protests against abortion, culminating with a National Strike on January 22, 2015.

    “We need to stand up and ‘protest’ to bring about the end of pre-born child killing. . .peacefully but protest! Until all those who oppose pre-born child killing are willing to go into the streets in ‘protest’ of what we know is wrong and unless we are willing to call and enact a ‘national strike’ to end the child killing, this will all remain legal,” stated Fr. Stephen Imbarrato Founder of Protest ABQ.

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    Note: The video in this story was made in 2011 and revealed at that time that New Mexico taxpayers were being forced to foot the bill for expensive late-term abortions on babies with Down Syndrome. This practice not only continues today, but is on the increase.

  • HELP SERVE LOCAL MOMS!

    HELP SERVE LOCAL MOMS!

    We are excited to share two upcoming events by two great local ministries that Tara and I FULLY SUPPORT! Two GREAT opportunities to serve local mom’s in our community! Please consider attending BOTH of these wonderful events.

    Baby Brianna Foundation Charity Gala- August 16, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque from 6-9PM

    Help improve child welfare in NM by purchasing tickets to attend the first annual charity gala of the Baby Brianna Foundation, a registered nonprofit corporation in New Mexico, which provides free children’s clothing, food and cash assistance to low-income children and families in New Mexico.  Created in loving memory of Brianna Mariah Lopez (Feb. 14-July 19, 2002), this organization strives to increase community awareness and involvement to prevent child abuse and neglect.  Visit their website for more details about their mission: www.babybriannafoundation.com.

    This year the Honorary Speaker will be Gov. Martinez in her role as former District Attorney who successfully prosecuted the murder case of Baby Brianna in Las Cruces. The gala is on August 16, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque from 6-9PM.  Tickets are $75 each or 2/$140 and include a full-course dinner and entertainment.  Call 1(888) 659-0005 Mon-Fri, 6am-6pm to purchase tickets. Parking vouchers will also be provided.  Feel free to call the Founder and President of the organization, Laura Heithaus, at (505) 401-2704, for more information on the nonprofit.

    Annual Gabriel Project Moms Ministry Fundraising Dinner- Friday, Sept 5th at the Embassy Suites Hotel from 6-9pm

    Project Defending Life- The Gabriel Project’s Sixth Annual Fund-Raising Dinner

    6-9 PM on Friday, Sept 5th
    Embassy Suites Hotel
    1000 Woodward Place NE
    Albuquerque, NM 87102
    North of Lomas and
    West of I-25

    Tickets are $100 per person and are available by calling:
    Project Defending Life
    (505) 266-4100
    625 San Mateo Blvd NE
    Albuquerque, NM 87108

    Also you can purchase tickets from the web page …
    www.defendinglife.org

    The Gabriel Project works with other ministries at Project Defending Life (PDL) to save the life of a baby by helping a mother that is considering abortion. If we don’t love the mother and help her, how can we stop abortion?

    The Gabriel Project helps pregnant women in crisis,
    -We offer monetary, emotional, and spiritual support for the moms,
    -We offer free ultra sounds of the baby,
    -We offer hope and love through this seemingly difficult time,
    -Help is available by calling 1-888-475-2229 or 1-505-266-4100.

    Honored Guest at the Dinner:
    Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan
    Keynote Speaker:
    Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue www.operationrescue.org

    Click here for a printable flyer to promote this LIFE SAVING event

    Because of Christ we stand,
    Bud and Tara Shaver
    Pro-Life Missionaries
    www.prolifewitness.org

    “Seek the well being of the city to which I have sent you. Pray for it to the Lord. For in seeking its well being you shall find your own.“ Jeremiah 29:7

  • Local News Channel KOB- 4 Coverage of PROTEST ABQ Launch

    Local News Channel KOB- 4 Coverage of PROTEST ABQ Launch

    News Coverage by KOB 4:

    “The group that launched a campaign to ban late term abortions in Albuquerque says they are here to stay.

    In fact, they are inviting national pro-life groups to come work with them too, and they hope Albuquerque will be a catalyst for the rest of the nation.

    “Protest ABQ” will be a public awareness campaign. Organizers plan to publicize what they call “abortion victim photography,” and will protest Monday through Friday in front of a UNM clinic that provides abortions. They say they will do it until the clinic closes.

    “We gave the city a chance to stand for life, to protect these babies, but the city failed and so now we’re realizing we need to reach back into the city with education and just a measure of exposing who it is that’s helping to keep abortions in our community,” Tara Shaver said.

    Shaver says part of that “education” will mean showing people images of allegedly aborted fetuses.

    “The killing of babies in the womb is offensive. We should be offended that it’s happening. Instead of being upset about showing the images, we should be upset about what the images depict. The images are truthful, they’re real and this is the very evil that we’re fighting against,” Shaver said.”

    Read the full coverage by KOB 4 here: http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S3363541.shtml?cat=500#.UyUuO167ngq

  • PROTEST ABQ: Successful Launch and a HUGE Development!

    PROTEST ABQ: Successful Launch and a HUGE Development!

    (A Press Conference will be held Tuesday, March 18th at 4:00pm MT in front of the NEW location for the UNMCRH abortion clinic.)

    Albuquerque, NM- On March 11th after several weeks of training local activists Protest ABQ had a very successful launch. Over 50 of you showed up to be a strong voice for the babies outside of the UNM Center for Reproductive Health abortion mill (UNMCRH). The Protest ABQ campaign has been working hard to wake up this city to the killing of babies that takes place daily and has been very effective so far.

    About a year and a half ago we were told by a trusted source that the UNMCRH abortion mill was looking for a new location because Bud’s presence just one day a week was affecting their business. Their exact words to our source were, “We are moving our location because we are being protested.” Shortly thereafter, they declined to renew their lease and began going month to month. Since November 22, 2013, Bud has been faithfully present in front of this abortion mill 5 days a week and in December UNMCRH applied for a permit for their new location.

    March 25th will be the last day that the UNMCRH abortion mill will be located at 1701 Moon St! This is a HUGE victory for this neighborhood. Due to Bud’s faithful public presence over the past 3 years, neighborhood residents often voiced their shock and dismay to Bud once they realized that an abortion clinic was killing children each day in their neighborhood. Their question to Bud was often, “How can we get this abortion clinic out of our neighborhood?” Well, PROTEST ABQ has proven to be the answer.

    With the recent launch of PROTEST ABQ, our public pressure has proven to be effective and is needed more urgently than ever due to the fact that the UNM Center For Reproductive Health killing center will be fleeing its current location at 1701 Moon St. and will reopen April 1st at 2301 Yale Blvd. SE Building E.

    WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP:
    Respectfully contact the UNM Medical Group and let them know that you oppose the UNM Center For Reproductive Health’s new abortion clinic location at 2301 Yale Blvd SE Building E.

    Please respectfully contact Al Montano: 505-247-0444 and the UNM Medical Group BEFORE April 1st at this number: 505-272-3203

    Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, founder of PROTEST ABQ released the following statement, “This baby killing mill is scheduled to open April 1st. We can keep this mill from opening! The only thing that will allow this mill to change locations and open here is…apathy from the people of ABQ. If the people rise up the way they did for the petition last summer and the referendum, this mill will not open! We need to Protest ABQ and we need to do it now. Join us at the press conference at the new location this Tuesday! All are welcome”

    Please “LIKE” our PROTEST ABQ page on Facebook for more information and updates.

    Press Conference Details:
    When: Tuesday March, 18th
    Time: 4pm (MT)
    Where: 2301 Yale Blvd SE

  • PROTEST ABQ Press Conference & Rally

    PROTEST ABQ Press Conference & Rally

    Well the official launch of ProtestABQ was a success! 50+ people turned out to our Press Conference and Rally!

    [slideshow_deploy id=’2223′]

    Raw footage with Tara Shaver from our Press Conference Tuesday March 11, 2014 for the official launch of Protest ABQ

    There is a lot of wind in this video, but still well worth the watch! Fr. Stephen Imbarrato literally leaves the cameraman/interviewer…speechless!

    The cameraman/interviewer’s exact words as he pauses and steps back, “This is just fascinating!”

    CHECK IT OUT…
    Fr. Imbarrato rocks it!

    (WINDY) Raw footage with Fr. Imbarrato from our Press Conference Tuesday March 11, 2014 for the official launch of Protest ABQ.

    Click Here to LIKE PROTEST ABQ on Facebook

  • Project Defending Life Launches New Campaign, PROTEST ABQ

    Project Defending Life Launches New Campaign, PROTEST ABQ

    By Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life

    (We will be hosting a press conference on Tuesday March, 11th at 4pm (MT) at the UNM abortion clinic.)

    UPDATED: Group launches new anti-abortion campaign (KOB Eyewitness News 4 Coverage)

    Albuquerque, NM- Project Defending Life is announcing a new public awareness campaign: PROTEST ABQ. This new campaign will utilize “abortion victim photography” and other public awareness efforts, in response to the failed ban on Late-Term Abortions on November 19th. Through strategic and sustained focuses PROTEST ABQ is going to reach deeper into our community to educate Albuquerque and New Mexico residents about the businesses and individuals that are keeping abortions in our community.

    Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, founder of Project Defending Life issued the following statement,  “It is time to get serious about protesting the killing of our little brothers and sisters in the womb. These protests will be peaceful and constitutionally legal. We will not condone violence of any kind by anyone in this campaign. Indeed, we are protesting the use of violence…against babies in the womb. We will peacefully protest this violence.”

    As part of this initiative (PROTEST ABQ) Project Defending Life is inviting all known and recognized pro-life leaders, groups, and ministries to New Mexico to help us. We will host and provide hospitality to any group or ministry including lodging and food for the duration of your stay here. We are welcoming National Pro-Life groups to come to Albuquerque, NM and do the work they do best. The National groups will work under their own ministry or group banner in cooperation with PROTEST ABQ and Project Defending Life.

    In the state of New Mexico late term abortions are legal up to the ninth month of pregnancy. These abortions are, in fact, being performed in the city of Albuquerque each week on women who come from all across the nation to obtain them. Since Albuquerque is drawing women from all across the country, Project Defending Life is inviting pro-life groups from all across the nation to come to Albuquerque and join us as we PROTEST ABQ.

    While our efforts on Nov. 19th fell short of ending Late-Term abortions in Albuquerque, by maintaining a public and prayerful presence at our local abortion clinics, we have been quite successful at ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time. The preliminary abortion numbers for 2012 are 3,134, which is a 627 decrease from 2011 (3761 total) and a 2,590 decrease in abortions in New Mexico since 2007 (5,724 total!)

    “As we move forward in Albuquerque, we realize that abortion will end in our city and state, when hearts are touched and minds are changed concerning the killing of the most innocent and defenseless children in our state, those in the womb. PROTEST ABQ is a way to raise this public awareness. If we accomplish nothing else, we must succeed in protesting the evil of our generation…legalized child killing,” stated Bud Shaver spokesperson for PROTEST ABQ.

    UPDATED: Major Pro-Life Groups Call for a National Strike and Protests to End Abortion 

    Hardcore interview with Fr. Stephen Imbarrato and Tara Shaver laying out the vision, purpose and plans of Protest ABQ‘s National Call To Action: National Protests & National Strike Jan. 22-23, 2015Special thanks to Spectrum for having them on their show!

    “Spectrum Daily 1-5-15 with Fr. Stephen Imbarrato & Tara Shaver”

    Note: The Interview in Spectrum starts at time 13:40 – if you would like to skip forward, click here.

    Protest ABQ is already making an impact both locally and nationally! To read (and) watch news coverage, click here:

  • 2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #5

    2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #5

    “Last but definitely not least, wrapping up our, “Top 5 ABQ Year In Review Highlights”…Its YOU, your prayers, your support, and all of your efforts to help raise awareness here in ABQ- The late-term abortion capital of the country.”

    This year God answered our prayer to raise up workers for the harvest here in ABQ…and He answered it in a BIG way! We never would have guessed that in just one year so many people, churches, and church leaders would be activated to stand for life here in ABQ. Numerous volunteers helped gather 27,000 signatures (most of which came from Catholic and Evangelical churches) in just 20 days, new pro-life organizations have formed, over 38,000 people took a stand FOR life on Nov. 19th in an attempt to ban late-term abortions, several volunteers were trained to offer ultrasounds and pregnancy tests at Project Defending Life and sacrifice so much of their time for women in need, several people who attended one of our sidewalk counseling training classes took their training to the sidewalk on an ongoing basis, we had great turnout to several rallies and press conferences, all three abortion clinics have consistent coverage of people sharing the love of Christ, mothers who chose life have received so much encouragement and financial assistance due to your prayers and generosity, and only God knows how many babies have been saved as a result of your faithfulness!

    Here are just some of the many testimonies of bold steps of faith from the christian community here in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2013…and to God alone be the glory:

    Pro-Life Groups Submit Double the Signatures Needed to Ensure a Vote on Historic City-wide Late-term Abortion Ban

    Speeches From The Heart: ABQ City Councilors Hear From Pro-Lifers

    ABQ Woman Shares from Experience Why Fetal Anomalies Are No Justification for Late-term Abortion

    Dec. Newsletter 2013: Campaign Season has Come and Gone…Our Work Remains

    Manny is a Mighty Spiritual Warfare Warrior, Today He was Speechless

    Church Outside the Box…Sunday Church Service at Late-Term Abortion Clinic SWO

    Project 52 Kick-Off Rally and Press Conference

    A New Season Has Begun at Southwestern Women’s Options

    History is Being Accomplished Today

    June 2013 Newsletter: The Month of Rallies!

    Rally For LIFE: Late-Term Abortion Clinic SWO June 14,2013

    Special Mother’s Day Event In Front Of Late-Term Abortion Facility

    Never Grow Weary

    Great coverage by local news channel 13 KRQE and great title: “New Mexicans Protest Late-Term Abortion”

    Thank you all for your continued prayer, encouragement, and support. God has used you in powerful ways this year and our city will never be the same…we look forward to what God has in store for ABQ in 2014!

    “Seek the well being of the city to which I have sent you. Pray for it to the Lord. For in seeking its well being you shall find your own.“ Jeremiah 29:7
  • 2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #3

    2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #3

    “In 2013, Project 52 was launched, Project 52 is an interdenominational church initiative engaging congregations for 52 weeks a year in promoting the sanctity of human life.”

    Back in May, Bud had the opportunity to speak at a National Day of Prayer event hosted here in Albuquerque (Click here to listen to Bud’s talk), he encouraged local church leaders to become more active in our community as a voice for LIFE. In response to his talk, Bud met with local pastors about his vision for churches to become more active in our city. On September 30th, Project 52 was launched and we joined with local Pastors to host a press conference out at late-term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options. Here is an excerpt from the news coverage by local news channel KOAT 7:

    Pastors gather to support late-term abortion ban

    “Pastors gathered to be the voice for unborn babies. They prayed for the end of abortion.

    Pastors and demonstrators hoped their rallies would have an influence on banning late-term abortions locally.

    The idea behind Project 52 is to have a presence at the abortion clinics 52 weeks a year, and to put pressure on the residents of Albuquerque to support the ban in the upcoming election.

    Pastors said they will gather and protest abortions until there is a change.”

    Click here to read more from of our press conference and watch the video coverage here: http://www.koat.com/news/new-mexico/albuquerque/pastors-gather-to-support-lateterm-abortion-ban/-/9153728/22203852/-/98sufo/-/index.html#ixzz2gQmgMmZw

    Project 52 is an interdenominational church initiative engaging congregations for 52 weeks a year in promoting the sanctity of human life from the time of conception. Providing a framework for multi-faceted action to facilitate a culture honoring and understanding the value of Human life in all aspects of our society.

    “As our hearts become broken over what has broken God’s heart we will see His mighty power working on our behalf. So we would like to share this message to our churches and pastors, to every person who has a heart to end the shedding of innocent blood; and ask that the hearts of our pastors to be broken and this brokenness of heart to be passed on to the members of their congregation and we will see the kingdom of darkness start to fall one by one as we persevere.” – Pastor Washington

    “Project 52 is about bringing churches together, not in doctrine, but its about bringing churches together to try and save innocent babies whose voices have not even been heard yet. Jesus calls all of us to bear fruit and one thing that you can do as a church in this city, is you can stand for the lives of unborn children.”  -Pastor Mark Mullaney

    Watch this promo video to learn more about our latest effort to educate and active the Christian community in Albuquerque, New Mexico to end abortion in our city one woman, one child, one week at a time!

    Also, in response to our efforts here in Albuquerque, Project 52 went national with Project 52 Milwaukee!

    “We are Milwaukee Project 52 which started in Albuquerque. Bringing 52 churches together in Milwaukee to cover Abortion clinics 52 weeks a year in Prayer and outreach to women considering abortion.”

    Share the awareness and hopefully we will hear about Project 52 kicking off in your city!

    Click here for more information about Project 52.

  • 2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #2

    2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #2

    “Historic Albuquerque citywide referendum, which was the first attempt in the country to restrict abortions at the local level.”

    From June 28-July 25th over 27,000 ABQ residents signed the petition to get the “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance” onto a Nov. 19th citywide election ballot. Local pro-lifers worked hard and quick to educate and inform those 27,000 people who were reached primarily in Catholic and Evangelical churches. The months that followed included the first ever citywide election campaign where the citizens of ABQ were given the chance to stand for life by casting a vote for the ordinance to stop abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This election drew national attention to ABQ, which is now nationally known to be the late term abortion capital of the country. It also served as the fodder for what the city needed to begin to see the atrocities that happen here every week. While only 38,000 people voted for the ordinance and 48,000 voted against it-ultimately causing it to fail, attention was given to the fact that abortions are done through all nine months of pregnancy in ABQ. We were able to reach further into the community with the message of life  than ever before and countless seeds were planted within hearts of individuals and whole congregations. We believe that the whole process was what was desperately needed to awaken this city and while we have never put our trust in the political process to be the “silver bullet” that will ultimately end abortion, it opened many doors of opportunities, moving forward. The hearts of the people, especially women, must be changed and molded by God’s heart in order for abortion to end and that is exactly what we will continue to pursue until the killing stops.

    Here are a few quotes from (just some of) the national news coverage over the past few months regarding this ballot initiative, which has LAUNCHED Albuquerque into the national spotlight, and has helped expose New Mexico’s radical abortion agenda:

    “Compared with its neighbors’ abortion policies, New Mexico’s is practically socialist. Abortion is legal throughout pregnancy, and New Mexico has none of the restrictions—ultrasounds, waiting periods, building-code regulations intended to make it hard for clinics to stay open—that have swept the country in the past five years.” The American Prospect, Anti-Choicers’ New Mexico Experiment

    “Mrs. Shaver said it’s called the Wild West of abortion, and she said that’s why Dr. Curtis has set up in New Mexico — and why he draws from so many other states.” The Washington Times, Abortion battle goes local in New Mexico as Albuquerque votes on 20-week ban

    “Patients are drawn to the Albuquerque clinic from other states, he said, and ‘it was the national implications of late-term abortions in New Mexico that brought us here. A certain amount of social tension is necessary to cause change,’ [Mr. Shaver, 34] said, citing the methods of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The New York Times, Albuquerque Becomes Latest Focal Point in Abortion Wars

    “Three years ago, anti-abortion ‘missionaries’ Tara and Bud Shaver left Operation Rescue’s base in Kansas with one target: a clinic that abortion opponents say has turned this southwestern city into the late-term abortion capital of America. But after a loss at the medical board and making little headway in the Democrat-controlled Legislature, their group, Project Defending Life, gathered enough signatures to place a late-term abortion ban on the municipal ballot. It is believed to be the first such referendum of its kind in the country and is being watched as a possible new front for activism in the abortion wars that have typically been waged at the federal and state levels.” The Associated Press (AP), Albuquerque vote targets late-term abortion clinic

    “The vote — which would effectively end late-term abortions in New Mexico — has turned this low-key, progressive city of a half million people into the latest flash point in the abortion culture wars. It opens a new pro-life strategy to push abortion restrictions at the local as well as state and federal levels.” TIME, Albuquerque Abortion Battle Gains National Attention

    “ALBUQUERQUE — A high-desert city in one of the poorest states in the nation has become the abortion debate’s latest battlefield and a testing ground for whether abortion limits can be imposed on the local level. Although similar bans have been passed by state legislatures, New Mexico’s largest city is believed to be the first municipality in the country to place such an initiative on a ballot.” Los Angeles Times, Albuquerque becomes latest abortion battlefield

    “The failed referendum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy is the first known instance of the issue being addressed at a local level, but it might not be the last. ‘I think we’ll see this more and more,’ said Mallory Quigley, communications director for Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion group. ‘We’re constantly doing things on the local level in terms of outreach because those methods are very effective in bringing about social change in general,’ said Tara Shaver, who with her husband, Bud, is with the group Project Defending Life.” CNN, Albuquerque: New path for abortion opponents

    “Tara Shaver, the chairwoman of an Albuquerque group that backed the proposed ordinance, said she and other opponents of abortions have become increasingly frustrated by their inability to win votes at the state Legislature in Santa Fe. ‘We were sick and tired of legislators imposing their will on us, so we decided to bring this issue directly to the people,’ said Ms. Shaver, adding that she has gotten calls from people across the country who said they were interested in pushing for similar city referendums. ‘Win or lose, this initiative has been what our city needed to wake them up to the barbaric practice of late-term abortions,’ Ms. Shaver added Tuesday before the final votes had been tallied.” The Wall Street Journal, Albuquerque Voters Reject Bid to Ban Late-Term Abortions

    “In the end, Tara and Bud were here before the ordinance, and they’ll be here after it, whether it passes or not. Fetal pain, or abortion after 20 weeks, is something they can get behind, but it’s not their sole mission – they want to see it all gone. ‘We hope the people do rise up and vote for the ordinance,’ said Bud, rounding a corner. Even if they don’t, ‘there’s been awareness raised. And that can only produce some good stuff in the long term.’” MSNBC, The new frontier of the abortion wars

  • 2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #1

    2013 The Year of Public Awareness- ABQ Year In Review Highlight #1

    “New Mexico Pro-Life Training Conference & Public Awareness Campaign Aug. 2-9th”

    SURVIVORS & PROJECT DEFENDING LIFE teamed up to bring YOU the FIRST-EVER NEW MEXICO ProLife Training Conference in Albuquerque!

    The ProLife Training Conference included, exclusive workshops and training sessions by experienced Pro-life leaders from across the nation for the purpose of “Building your confidence in standing for life.”

    Topics Included: Why Pro-Life?, Defending the pro-life position, Sidewalk Counseling, Legal Rights, and much more.

    Speakers included: Troy Newman: Operation Rescue, Cheryl Sullenger: Operation Rescue, Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, Project Defending Life, Jeff White: Survivors, Kristina Garza: Survivors, Mark Harrington: Created Equal, Brendon O’ Morchoe: Students For Life of America, Jason Walsh: Executive Director of Arizona Right To Life…and more!

    Watch ALL of our guest speakers for the FIRST EVER, Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Training Conference:

    Jesus First TV: Interview with Survivors Founder and Director, Jeff White

    Recap from Bud and Tara Shaver…Sept. Newsletter 2013: “A certain amount of social tension is necessary to cause change.”

    FIRST EVER SURVIVORS TRAINING CONFERENCE AND PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN HAS CITY, STATE AND…NATIONAL IMPACT!

    For more information about our partners visit:

  • Tired of the baby killing? Protest ABQ…Year of Rebuke!

    Tired of the baby killing? Protest ABQ…Year of Rebuke!

    Protest ABQ Organization Meeting   

    This Friday, I (PDL) will host an organizing meeting at Project Defending Life for a new campaign called Protest ABQ. Protest ABQ will be a ministry of Project Defending Life and will be a protest campaign utilizing graphic imaging and other means to send a message to the voters and leaders of ABQ (and NM) that their vote to kill babies and support baby killers will not be tolerated. This campaign is designed to end the baby killing in ABQ and in NM.

    Everyone is welcome to join us if you support the use of graphic imaging to show the truth about abortion…i.e. baby killing! This meeting is to organize a campaign to protest ABQ and not to debate the merit of graphic imaging or the recent failed vote. It is time to move on past the vote and it is time to get serious about protesting the killing of our little brothers and sisters in the womb.

    What: Protest ABQ

    Where: Project Defending Life 615 San Mateo Blvd ABQ 87108 (just south of main PDL office)

    When: Friday November 29th 10:00 am till noon  

    These protests will be peaceful and constitutionally legal. We will not condone violence of any kind by anyone in this campaign. Indeed, we are protesting the use of violence…against babies in the womb. We will peacefully protest this violence.

    Here are the words of soon to be “Saint” Pope John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae (in case anyone has questions)…

    58. Among all the crimes which can be committed against life, procured abortion has characteristics making it particularly serious and deplorable. The Second Vatican Council defines abortion, together with infanticide, as an “unspeakable crime” But today, in many people’s consciences, the perception of its gravity has become progressively obscured. The acceptance of abortion in the popular mind, in behavior and even in law itself, is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil, even when the fundamental right to life is at stake. Given such a grave situation, we need now more than ever to have the courage to look the truth in the eye and to call things by their proper name, without yielding to convenient compromises or to the temptation of self-deception. In this regard the reproach of the Prophet is extremely straightforward: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Is 5:20). Especially in the case of abortion there is a widespread use of ambiguous terminology, such as “interruption of pregnancy”, which tends to hide abortion’s true nature and to attenuate its seriousness in public opinion. Perhaps this linguistic phenomenon is itself a symptom of an uneasiness of conscience. But no word has the power to change the reality of things: procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth. The moral gravity of procured abortion is apparent in all its truth if we recognize that we are dealing with murder…                                                     

    Fr  Stephen Imbarrato, Founder and Executive Director of Project Defending Life

  • Moving Forward in ABQ, UNMCRH…The Weak Link

    Moving Forward in ABQ, UNMCRH…The Weak Link

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    There are three abortion clinics in ABQ providing abortions, Planned Parenthood located directly across the street (50 feet!) from Project Defending Life. Several people throughout the week frequently minister and sidewalk counsel there including local “Pro-Life Saint,” Phil Leahy. After three years of pretty intense public awareness, many people are going to Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) pretty consistently to minister and sidewalk counsel. The third one has kind of slid under the radar, UNM Center for Reproductive Health, “UNMCRH (UNM’s free standing publicly funded abortion clinic doing abortions up to 22wks).

    I spoke with someone today out at UNMCRH, who mentioned that they wished people would come out more often and try and reach the women going into the abortion clinic.

    After prayer and reflection, moving our pro-life momentum forward in ABQ, UNMCRH is the weak link of the abortion cartel here in ABQ (due to the fact that since UNM is a public institution and publicly funded, they are highly sensitive to public exposure concerning their radical abortion agenda).

    So, I have decided to step back from my presence out at (SWO) and crank up the the public exposure out at UNMCRH (1701 Moon St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112). Beginning tomorrow, Friday Nov. 22nd. I will have a daily presence out at UNMCRH Monday-Friday 9am-12pm. I welcome you to join me.

    I urge the people who are consistently faithful out at SWO to remain steadfast.

    Read the report by Tara Shaver about UNM’s Radical, Pro-Abortion Agenda: Exposé: Tax Funded Abortion Training and the Betrayal of True Medicine at UNM

    Because of Christ I stand,

    Bud

    Contact info: bud@defendinglife.org

    “Seek the well being of the city to which I have sent you. Pray for it to the Lord. For in seeking its well being you shall find your own.“ Jeremiah 29:7

  • Moving Forward in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Moving Forward in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Yesterday’s (Nov. 19th) election results are in and unfortunately the citizens of ABQ
    failed to rise to the occasion to lend their voices for the pre-born. While
    we lost this election we have won over many hearts and built amazing
    bridges within the community. We must resolve to proclaim even louder the
    truth about abortion, reach even further into our community and keep coming
    back until we win and establish justice for the babies.

    Thank you to everyone who poured your heart, soul and prayers into the petition and
    campaign process, your passion and zeal encourages and motivates us to keep
    moving forward. Let’s all come together as a stronger force for life in our
    city, babies are dying today and they need us to be their voice on a daily
    basis. All abortions end when the hearts of the people are changed and
    there is much to still be done. Stay involved/get involved and let’s start
    building a bigger army of God’s people together for LIFE.

    Because of Christ we stand,

    Bud and Tara Shaver

  • Video: ABQ Woman Shares from Experience Why Fetal Anomalies Are No Justification for Late-term Abortion

    Video: ABQ Woman Shares from Experience Why Fetal Anomalies Are No Justification for Late-term Abortion

    November 17, 2013

    Albuquerque, NM – On the weekend before a municipal election that will determine if Albuquerque, New Mexico, will become the first city in the nation ban abortions after 20 weeks, a woman has come forward in a new video to tell why, when faced with a prenatal diagnosis of a child with severe fetal anomalies, she heroically rejected pressure to abort her son, Chance.

    Calling the bid to end late-term abortion a “humanitarian issue,” Chantel Stuckman told of the heart-wrenching moment when she and her husband were told that her 24 week pre-born son had deformities so severe that he was not expected to live. While her doctors did not demand that she abort, they pressured her to rapidly make a life or death decision.

    Having had an abortion as a teen that she deeply regrets, Chantel knew that this baby must be given a chance at life, however slim.

    “Chance was diagnosed with hydrocephaly and other conditions that often lead to abortions out of a misguided concern that the don’t want their child to suffer,” said Tara Shaver, Chairperson of ABQ Voters For Late Term Abortion Ban. “Aborting babies who are sick or disabled isn’t something a compassionate society should do. We should let life take its course, and when we do, sometimes unexpected blessings come from what seems at first like tragedy.”

    Chantel agrees, noting that doctors told her that her son would not survive, but he did. They said he would never walk, talk, or read, but he can do all three.

    “I think that all children struggle,” said Chantell. “And I don’t think that killing them is ever our first option. I don’t think we look at a child who’s going through drug abuse and say, ‘You know, they’re really struggling. Maybe it would be better if I killed him.’ I don’t think we look at a child who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and say, ‘Well, maybe we should just kill him because their suffering is going to be too much. So I don’t see the fact that a child may or may not suffer as a reason to end their life.”

    Today, Chance is a happy 14-year old teen who is a joy to all who know him.

    Chantel supports the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance because she understands more than most the heartbreak of a poor fetal diagnosis – and that abortion is not the answer. In a new video, produced by Shaver and Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue, Chantel urges Albuquerque voters to support the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance for the sake of children like Chance.

     

    Watch the video: “Chance: Life Matters” on Youtube.com


    To get involved, visit LateTermAbortionBan.com.

  • Early Voting Sets Records in ABQ Late-term Abortion Ban Contest; Planned Parenthood Pumps Big Money into Opposition

    Early Voting Sets Records in ABQ Late-term Abortion Ban Contest; Planned Parenthood Pumps Big Money into Opposition

    By Cheryl Sullenger

    Albuquerque, NM – As of yesterday, over 25,000 Albuquerque citizens had cast early ballots in a city-wide initiative that would ban abortions after 20 weeks and is on pace to set a new early-voting record. This trend is generally a positive sign for Conservatives, who have a history of early voting.

    Early voting ends Friday, with thousands more voters expected to cast ballots by the end of the week. Election Day is November 19 with a high voter turnout expected because of strong feelings evoked by the issue of abortion, especially halfway through pregnancy or later.

    Meanwhile, campaign finance records show that Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into an effort to defeat the measure and keep abortions legal throughout all 9 months of pregnancy. Planned Parenthood alone has contributed $300,000 to the opposition, Respect ABQ Women – considerably more than the total amount raised by those supporting the ordinance. [Read the campaign finance report for the pro-abortion Respect ABQ Women]

    “What we will see when Election Day finally rolls around on November 19 is whether the abortion cartel’s big money will over rule the will of the people,” said Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor for Operation Rescue, who plans to visit Albuquerque later this week to help with the campaign in favor of the historic Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance. “We know from recent polls that 54% of the people of Albuquerque want to end abortions after 20 weeks when the babies are known to feel pain.”

    The ACLU has also contributed over $200,000. Texas abortionist Curtis Boyd, who owns South West Women’s Options, the late-term abortion clinic that will be most affected by the proposed new law, has contributed nearly $2,000 personally and from his abortion business.

    The campaign has attracted national interest because Albuquerque is one of the few locations where abortions through all nine months of pregnancy are done for any reason. Even Pres. Barack Obama’s leftist political activism organization, Organizing for Action, is heavily involved against the late-term abortion ban.

    Voters casting early ballots have expressed confusion of the length of the wording on the ballot.

    “We understand that some well-meaning people may have voted against the measure, thinking they were voting against abortion. However, in this case, a ‘For’ vote is in support of the late-term abortion ban,” said Sullenger.

    ABQ Voters for Late Term Abortion Ban is conducting an intensive Get Out the Vote campaign focusing on churches where support for the measure is greatest. To learn more or to get involved visit LateTermAbortionBan.com.

    Campaign records are available at Summary Audit Report by Candidate or Measure Committee

  • BarackObama.com Behind Opposition to ABQ Late-term Abortion Ban as Archbishop Sheehan Calls For “Day of Prayer”

    BarackObama.com Behind Opposition to ABQ Late-term Abortion Ban as Archbishop Sheehan Calls For “Day of Prayer”

    By Cheryl Sullenger

    Albuquerque, NM – Operation Rescue has learned that the pro-abortion Respect ABQ Women Coalition, which is the main opposition to the Albuquerque “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance,” is actually an affiliate of Pres. Barack Obama’s “Organizing for Action,” which encourages activism for radical leftist causes. The two groups are working together under the banner of “Stand With Women,” which is coordinating a national effort against the municipal ordinance through BarackObama.com.

    [View screen shot of website]

    Operation Rescue received a copy of an e-mail concerning a “Stand with Women” national conference call held on October 24, which originated from Kelli Lamb, Barack Obama.com, who is the Women’s Issues Coordinator for Obama’s Organizing for Action.

    [View a copy of the e-mail from BarackObama.com]

    During this “strategy call,” Jennifer Lawson, the field director for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in Albuquerque, solicited funds and volunteers to oppose the late-term abortion ban, according to a pro-life supporter who debriefed Operation Rescue after listening in on the call.

    “It appears that Obama is behind an organized effort to ensure the continuation of late-term abortions up until birth, and is attempting through subterfuge to subvert the will of the vast majority of the people of Albuquerque who oppose the heinous practice of aborting babies halfway through pregnancy and up until birth,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “These are the same leftists who are condemning support for the ordinance by national pro-life groups. The deception is appalling.”

    As a Senator from Illinois, Obama favored the now outlawed “Partial Birth Abortion” procedure and has been a rabid supporter of unrestricted abortion.

    The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance, which was placed on the ballot through a grassroots Direct Legislative initiative with signatures of 27,000 signatures of Albuquerque voters, is set for a city-wide vote on November 19. If successful, the initiative would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A recent Albuquerque Journal Poll shows 54% of likely Albuquerque voters support the ban.

    A similar provision in Texas was ruled to be Constitutional by a Federal Court judge just yesterday.

    Meanwhile, Archbishop Michael Sheehan, who has come out in support of the Albuquerque effort to protect babies 20 weeks and older, is promoting Sunday, November 3 as “a day of prayer for the end of abortion and the passing of the Albuquerque Late Term Abortion Ban.”

    Archbishop Sheehan will also celebrate a special mass at The Shrine of Saint Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, on November 3 at 5:00 p.m. to highlight the importance of the November 19th vote that will save thousands of innocent lives.

    Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, President of Project Defending Life, is calling on this to be a national effort transcending religious affiliation. “In response to Archbishop Sheehan’s leadership and strong voice and the grass roots effort undertaken here in New Mexico, I would hope that the entire country, while focusing on the November 19th referendum here in Albuquerque, would offer up a day of prayer on November 3rd for this important and unique initiative.”

    Newman agreed, stating, “We must stand strong against the under-handed tactics of Obama and his operatives, who are making an unprecedented attempt to intervene in a municipal election under the guise of a local activist group. For Obama, it is all about abortion all the time, and he isn’t afraid to through his weight around to ensure that babies continue to die. Please join us on November 3 in praying for the success of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance.”

    Read the Project Defending Life Press Release that includes a statement from Archbishop Sheehan.
    To learn more, visit LateTermAbortionBan.com.

  • New Albuquerque Investigation Reveals Tax-Funded Medicaid Pays For Hundreds of Late-term Abortions

    By Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life

    Albuquerque, NM – In just under 30 days, Albuquerque will be the first city in the country with the opportunity to vote to ban late-term abortions starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy. That vote is more important than ever in light of new research that reveals New Mexico’s taxpayers pay for hundreds of abortions each year that are halfway though pregnancy and later – often at the encouragement of the abortion providers themselves.

    New Mexico is one of 15 states that uses taxpayer money to fully fund abortions. In 2011, taxpayers funded 1,786 abortions through state Medicaid to the tune of over 1.1 million dollars.

    In 2012, the number of tax-funded abortions dramatically dropped to 649 at a cost of $177,361.32, according to the New Mexico Human Services Department.  [View Chart]

    “While we rejoice in the decreased number of abortions that taxpayers are funding, it is disturbing that the vast majority of these expensive abortions are done on babies over 17 weeks gestation.  Should the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance pass in November, it would save hundreds of lives each year and would save the taxpayers millions of dollars,” stated Bud Shaver, spokesman for Project Defending Life.

    Two out-of-state abortionists who fly to Albuquerque on alternating weeks performed most of Medicaid-funded abortions in New Mexico. California resident Shelley Sella performed 201 of the 649 tax funded abortions, earning $51,328.63 profit. California resident Susan Robinson performed 184 tax funded abortions for a big $47,555.01 paycheck at tax-payer’s expense.

    The upcoming election to ban late-term abortions in Albuquerque prompted a recent undercover investigation by members of Project Defending Life to find out how much an abortion at 20 weeks costs New Mexico taxpayers.

    That investigation discovered that an abortion at 20 weeks gestation at the UNM Center for Reproductive Health (the University of New Mexico’s freestanding abortion clinic) costs $1,200.  At Southwestern Women’s Options, the largest late-term abortion clinic in the U.S., women are charged $1,850 for each 20-week abortion.  At both abortion clinics, the price of abortions rose dramatically with each passing week of pregnancy.

    The recorded phone conversations with both abortion clinics showed employees encouraging a prospective patient to use Medicaid to pay for an expensive 20-week abortion, even though on one case, the caller indicated that she had a “good job” and did not believe she would qualify for the program.

    “The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance will save taxpayers money that is otherwise pocketed by out-of-state abortionists,” said Shaver.  “We hope that the residents of Albuquerque will rise to the occasion on November 19 to end the barbaric practice of late-term abortions in our city once and for all.”

    Operation Rescue has published two videos featuring the undercover recordings made by Project Defending Life.

    View the undercover videos here:

    Tax Funded Late Term Abortions In ABQ UNMCRH

    Late term Abortions Cost ABQ Taxpayers Millions SWO

  • Mark Your Calendars “FOR” Nov. 19th

    Mark Your Calendars “FOR” Nov. 19th

    ABQ-Logo

     

    Dear Friends,

    The November 19 special election to ban late term abortions in ABQ is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for this historic election day! We have just under one month to continue to educate and mobilize our base to vote “FOR” the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance.
    You can now print the absentee ballot application by visiting our website here. Please print extra copies and distribute to your friends and families, this will save you all a trip to the polls. Mail them back right away to ensure that you get your ballot in time.
    A trip to the polls isn’t a bad thing though. Today, at New Beginnings Church, ABQ Voters For Late Term Abortion Ban registered many new voters and distributed many absentee ballot forms. Many people, however, are eager, excited and want to make an in person appearance to get out and vote on the 19th! The deadline for voter registration is October 22 at 5:00pm.
    As we reach out to new people each day our message of preserving life in ABQ is spreading. Help us spread this message even further by requesting your yard signs, bumper stickers, church bulletin inserts and fliers (in Spanish also). These items are ready to be picked up or delivered to you-free of charge.If you would like to help in anyway please visit our get involved page to sign up.
    Thank you to everyone who has helped bring us to this point in ABQ and to everyone who daily fights for life.
    Tara Shaver
    Chair

    ABQ Voters For Late Term Abortion Ban

    Contact us at abqvoters@gmail.com and we will deliver yard signs, flyers/bulletin inserts and bumper stickers to you.

     

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  • Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Conference: Kristina Garza, Persuasively Defending Life

    Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Conference: Kristina Garza, Persuasively Defending Life

    Kristina Garza, Campus Outreach Director for Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust presents how to be “Persuasively Pro-Life” during the Survivors New Mexico Pro-Life Training Conference.

     

    Part 1 of 3

    Part 2 of 3

    Part 3 of 3

  • Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Conference: Troy Newman, Pro-Life Nation

    Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Conference: Troy Newman, Pro-Life Nation

    Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue shows us how a Pro-Life Nation is possible and being accomplished during the Survivors New Mexico Pro-Life Training Conference.

     

    Part 1 of 3

    Part 2 of 3

    Part 3 of 3

  • Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Conference: Jason Walsh, The History of Graphic Images in Social Reform

    Survivors ABQ Pro-Life Conference: Jason Walsh, The History of Graphic Images in Social Reform

    Jason Walsh, Executive Director of Arizona Right To Life presents his exceptional research and knowledge of  “The History of Graphic Images in Social Reform” during the Survivors New Mexico Pro-Life Training Conference.

    Part 1 of 2

    Part 2 of 2

  • VICTORY! IT’S OFFICIAL, OUR ELECTION TO END LATE-TERM ABORTION IS SET FOR NOV. 19

    VICTORY! IT’S OFFICIAL, OUR ELECTION TO END LATE-TERM ABORTION IS SET FOR NOV. 19

    ABQ-Logo
    VICTORY!

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    The citizens of ABQ will have an election on the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance. This battle has been up and down from the beginning, we are so thankful for yet another victory.  Its official and set in stone we have our election at the polls on Nov. 19th to end late-term abortion…thanks to Don Harris and Dan Lewis making sure that the resolution R-15-250 was neutralized until after Nov. 19th!

    This just in from Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal reporter:

    “After much parliamentary maneuvering, Trudy Jones’ bill has been referred to a committee meeting set for Nov. 25. In other words, it’s dead.”

    This from KOAT 7: “We just finished one election in the city of Albuquerque, but brace yourself – now it’s time for another one.

    It’s sort of a two-way dual purpose citywide vote-in-person election on whether or not to ban late term abortions, combined with a runoff election in one Northeast Heights City Council District.

    It’s set for Tuesday, Nov. 19, so mark your calendars – even if you’re one of the 273,000 or so eligible voters who didn’t bother to vote in the election we just had. You are still welcome to vote in the special one on abortion.”

  • Rally and Press Conference: ABQ City Council Cautioned Against Violating Voter Rights

    Rally and Press Conference: ABQ City Council Cautioned Against Violating Voter Rights

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    Press Release

    For Immediate Release

    In response to city councilor Trudy Jones’ resolution to deny the citizens of ABQ an election on the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance, members of the pro-life community will hold a rally and press conference outside the County Government Center at One Civic Plaza, at 4:00pm today.

    “As soon as we were alerted to Jones’ resolution attempt to deny the citizens of ABQ an election on the “20 week late term abortion ban” we enlisted our attorneys at Life Legal Defense Foundation to caution the city council on moving forward. The citizens of ABQ followed the rules set forth in the city charter, which guarantees an election, any attempt to circumvent the law of the city merits legal action on our part. By her actions Trudy Jones is the one who is disregarding the law, ” stated Tara Shaver, Chair, ABQ Voters For Late Term Abortion Ban.

    Media Contact for the rally and press conference outside the County Government Center at One Civic Plaza, at 4:00pm today:

    Tara Shaver, 505-319-7825 ABQ Voters For Late-Term Abortion Ban

    www.latetermabortionban.com

    Please see LLDF’s press release and click to read their entire letter to city council below.

    Press Conference and Rally

    October 9, 2013

    4:00pm

    One Civic Plaza, ABQ

    Albuquerque City Council Cautioned Against Violating Voter Rights

    Life Legal Defense Foundation Steps in to Save Late Term Abortion Vote

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 9, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ — Life Legal Defense Foundation has cautioned the Albuquerque City Council not to violate voter rights. The municipal governing board is considering an attempt to block a vote on the “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance,” currently scheduled for November 19, 2013.

    In a letter to the Council, Attorney Allison Aranda, Senior Staff Counsel for Life Legal Defense Foundation, addressed Councilor Trudy Jones’ proposed resolution to remove the ordinance from the ballot, which if passed, would ban abortions after a baby is 20 weeks gestational age. Aranda cautioned the Council that adopting Jones’ resolution to block a vote on the “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance” violates the rights of the citizens of Albuquerque and is in direct conflict with the Albuquerque City Charter.

    Aranda labeled the proposal an “unconstitutional fiat by the city council and a blatant violation of the powers reserved to the people under the Albuquerque Charter.” She added that there is no allowance in state law or municipal code for the Council’s action.

    Life Legal Defense Foundation Executive Director Dana Cody believes that this is a clear attempt by a councilwoman to superimpose her personal views about late term abortion onto the citizens of Albuquerque and declared, “The Albuquerque City Council’s attempt to violate the voters’ rights must be stopped. If the Council insists on pursuing this resolution, we will take prompt legal action to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of Albuquerque.”

    Read the Life Legal Defense Foundation’s letter to the Albuquerque City Council here.

    About Life Legal Defense Foundation
    Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org.

  • RED ALERT: Action Needed to Halt Effort to Derail Vote on ABQ Late-term Abortion Ban

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    October 8, 2013 By Chery Sullenger

    Albuquerque, NM – All pro-life supporters are urged to take urgent action to block an effort to cancel a scheduled November 19 vote on the Albuquerque Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance, which would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

    Albuquerque city councilor Trudy Jones seeks to introduce Resolution R-15-250, which would seek to hire an independent counsel to obtain an injunction against the vote and seek a declaratory ruling from a judge as to the Constitutionality of the proposed ordinance, which is nearly identical to laws already in force in 11 states. Similar legislation has also been introduced at the Federal level, successfully clearing a House on June 18, 2013.

    “This is nothing more than a blatant attack on the legal process and is meant to thwart the will of the people,” said Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor for Operation Rescue, which supports the ordinance. “Nearly 27,000 Albuquerque residents, whose signatures were gathered in just 20 days, have followed the legal process for a Direct Legislation Initiative as outlined in the City Charter. We are shocked that they would now try to take away the right of the people to a fair election that is now required by law.”

    Council President Dan Lewis released a statement yesterday indicating that he has declined to place the resolution on the agenda. Nevertheless, Jones is still expected to introduce the resolution.

    Lewis stated in part:

    R-13-250 short circuits the democratic process. Whether you agree with them or not, the organizers of this initiative have played by the rules and have followed all of the City’s laws and requirements, and under those laws they are entitled to an election. Actions by the Council that would deny this election, that would disenfranchise voters, and that would limit voter initiative rights under the City Charter deserve more time and consideration by the Council, not less.

    Opponents of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance have speculated at great length about the constitutionality of the Ordinance. Unfortunately, that is just what those thoughts are – speculation…

    In the City of Albuquerque, we follow a democratic process. Our citizens have done the work to place the ordinance on the ballot. The City Council has already acted and set the special election date for November 19th. Now it is time to leave the question in the hands of Albuquerque’s voters. Regardless of where nine city councilors stand on the issue, we must follow our own city laws and allow this question to go before the voters of the City of Albuquerque who have earned that right.

    Sullenger indicated that if Jones seeks to avoid a costly lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of the ordinance, blocking a vote legally obtained through the direct legislative initiative process will only draw a lawsuit from pro-life groups.

    “Our attorneys are drafting a letter to the Council at this time seeking to warn them of political and potential legal consequences to subverting the legal process by halting a scheduled vote on the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance,” noted Sullenger. “Defending against our suit could prove more costly to the city.”

    View the letter we just sent to ALL of the City Councilors here!

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/9oe26fco1utbcro/131008%20Albuquerque%20City%20Council%20Letter%20final.pdf

    Operation Rescue, Project Defending Life, and the newly formed PAC ABQ Voters For Late Term Abortion Ban are urging everyone who can to get to the city council meeting Wednesday, October 9, to show opposition to this eleventh hour ploy to deny the citizens of Albuquerque a fair vote on an ordinance that polls show enjoys overwhelmingly support.Please arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. and register to speak out in opposition to R-15-250. The meeting will be held at:

    Vincent E. Griego Chambers
    One Civic Plaza
    Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center (map)

    We also urge those who are not residents of Albuquerque to contact each member of the city council to voice opposition to Resolution R-15-230. This ordinance affects families in every state since women from all over the U.S. travel to Albuquerque for late-term abortions that are not legal in their home states. If you can only contact one council member, please contact Trudy Jones.

    Councilor Dan Lewis: danlewis@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3189

    Councilor Ken Sanchez: kensanchez@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3183

    Councilor Roxanna Meyers: rmeyers@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3159

    Councilor Isaac Benton: ibenton@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3186

    Councilor Brad Winter: bwinter@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3101

    Councilor Rey Garduño: reygarduno@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3136

    Councilor Janice Arnold-Jones: jarnold-jones@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3136

    Councilor Trudy Jones: trudyjones@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3106

    Councilor Don Harris: dharris@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3123

     

     

  • New Campaign Launches to Pass 20-Week Abortion Ban in America’s Late-Term Abortion Capital

    Albuquerque, NM – In a historic effort to become the first city in America to ban late-term abortions beginning at 20 weeks after fertilization, the campaign “ABQ Voters For Late-Term Abortion Ban” launches today.

    On November 19, the citizens of Albuquerque will cast their votes on the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance, which is supported by 54% of the people, according to a recent ABQ Journal poll. A grassroots coalition gathered 27,000 signatures in just 20 days to place this ordinance on the ballot.

    “While putting forth this ordinance has been a local grass-roots effort, this election has important national implications. We believe that the good people of Albuquerque will rise to the occasion and do the right thing to protect these babies who are just a few short weeks or, in some cases, days from birth,” stated Tara Shaver, Chairperson of ABQ Voters For Late-Term Abortion Ban.

    New Mexico is one of only nine states that allow post-viability abortions. It lacks abortion laws that provide even basic safety standards or informed consent, making its abortion policies more akin to those found in Communist China and Korea than in the rest of America. The largest late-term abortion clinic in the U.S. – one of only four in the nation – operates in Albuquerque.

    The campaign will attract the national spotlight to Albuquerque and will focus on raising awareness through an intensive “Get Out the Vote” effort primarily aimed at people of faith. It will help voters navigate the mechanics of casting their “for” votes in support of the proposed ordinance.

    Each week, women come to Albuquerque from all over the world to have abortions in their fifth month of pregnancy and beyond. Shelley Sella has done abortions as late as the 35th week of pregnancy in Albuquerque. She understands that the grisly process on nearly full-term babies has little public support, stating that the delivery of a dead baby that was killed with a lethal injection to the heart “sounds barbaric.”

    “Albuquerque has the opportunity to be the first city in the nation to ban late-term abortions. Because the grisly procedures are done on women from every state, we are calling on all national pro-life groups to help us make this happen,” said Shaver.

    While the Albuquerque effort is a local one, it has the support of several national pro-life organizations, including Operation Rescue.

    ABQ Voters For Late-Term Abortion Ban is now accepting contributions to its Political Action Committee to fund the campaign. Donations can be made by visiting LateTermAbortionBan.com.

  • Project 52 Kick-Off Rally and Press Conference

    Project 52 Kick-Off Rally and Press Conference

    Albuquerque, NM- In response to the historic effort led by citizens of ABQ to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, local ABQ Pastors have resolved to be a voice for the most vulnerable women and children of our community. Project Defending Life is partnering with CSA on a new initiative called Project 52. Project 52 will launch on Monday, September 30, 2013 with a press conference and rally at the local late term abortion clinic, Southwestern Women’s Options.

    Lucrative post viability abortions merely line the pockets of out of state abortionists who are destroying the future of our city, one abortion at a time. “As Pastors and leaders in our community, we are determined to speak up and be readily available for women seeking abortions. We will do our part to make sure that women have all that they need to choose life for their pre-born child,” stated Pastor Clarence Washington.

    Every woman deserves to know that with the communities help, choosing life for her baby is possible. However, the majority of women seeking abortions will never step foot into a pregnancy help center on their own. We must meet these vulnerable women where they are, at the abortion clinic, before it’s too late.  Project 52 will equip the body of Christ to be present at the late term abortion clinic year round, one week at a time.

    As we recruit Pastors and churches for Project 52, we will also encourage them to mobilize their members to vote “For” the “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance.” This ban will end abortions halfway through pregnancy in the Late-Term Abortion Capital of the country… Albuquerque, NM.

    Please join us for a Project 52 kick-off Rally and Press Conference with local ABQ Pastors on Monday, September 30, 2013 beginning at 11:00am.

    Where: Southwestern Women’s Options, 522 Lomas Blvd. NE

    Schedule of events:

    11:00-12:00- Prayer led by local Pastors

    12:00-12:30- Press Conference announcing Project 52 to the Community

    12:30-1:30- Praise and Worship

    1:30-3:00- Prayer led by local Pastors

    For more information and to sign up your church/parish with Project 52 contact:

    Tara Shaver, tara@defendinglife.org

    Click here for more information about Project 52

    Archbishop Michael Sheehan urges everyone in Albuquerque to support the ban on late term abortions! Read his full statement here: http://www.archdiocesesantafe.org/Offices/Communications/PressReleases/13.09.27LateTermAbor%20Ban.pdf

  • Confirmed: Late Term Abortion Ban Will be Placed On ABQ Election Ballot

    Confirmed: Late Term Abortion Ban Will be Placed On ABQ Election Ballot

    Albuquerque, NM- In an unexpected and heated exchange during the ABQ City Council meeting on September 16th, Councilors inevitably voted to put the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance on a citywide election ballot.

     
    “The will of the people has prevailed tonight and we are excited to move forward to ensure that women and their babies are protected from perilous late term abortions. We are confident moving forward that Albuquerque residents don’t want their city to be known for being the “go to” place for late term abortions. Albuquerque is one step closer to seeing this come to an end,” stated Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Project Defending Life.

    On September 9th, the ABQ Journal published a poll of the people to determine whether or not they support the ordinance. 54% of Albuquerque residents support the ban, which aligns pretty closely with national polls regarding late term abortion restrictions.

    The City Councilors who voted against the resolution to ensure that the ordinance be placed on an election ballot were, Trudy Jones (R), Isaac Benton (D), Roxanne Myers (R) and Rey Garduno (D).

    Please thank those who supported the resolution and are allowing this to move forward according to the process set forth in the Albuquerque city charter.

    Ken Sanchez (D): kensanchez@cabq.gov

    Brad Winter (R): bwinter@cabq.gov

    Dan Lewis (R): danlewis@cabq.gov

    Janice Arnold-Jones (R): jarnold-jones@cabq.gov

    Don Harris (R): dharris@cabq.gov

  • Project Defending Life Calls on City Councilors to Adopt Ordinance

    Project Defending Life Calls on City Councilors to Adopt Ordinance

    August 29, 2013

    Albuquerque, NM- On Wednesday, August 28th the Albuquerque City Clerk confirmed that the required 12,091 signatures had been certified to ensure that the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection ordinance will enter into the next phase of the City Charter’s process. “This is true progress for New Mexico, in a state where abortions are being performed through all nine months of pregnancy on viable babies who would survive outside the womb if born. This ordinance is the least we can do to give a measure of protection to both women and children,” stated Tara Shaver.

    The ordinance has now been given to the Albuquerque City Councilors. They have 14 days to act or ignore this measure. This is the process set forth in the Albuquerque city charter, the councilors have the legal right to adopt this ordinance outright. However, if they ignore it then according to the process the measure will go to the people for a ballot vote.

    The people of Albuquerque have let their voices be heard in support of this bill, 26,900 signatures were submitted to the city clerk in just 20 days.

    “It is clear that the people in this city want late term abortions to end, in fact 2/3 of Americans support the ’20 week fetal pain ban’ and understandably so, late term abortions are indefensible. The people who made this effort possible do not want to see this measure ignored, late term abortion has been ignored long enough in Albuquerque,” stated Tara Shaver.

    Project Defending Life is calling on City Council President Dan Lewis, who is also a local Pastor, to present this to the city council for a vote to adopt this ordinance within the next 14 days. City officials have the responsibility to act and to ensure the safety of all of those residing within their jurisdiction. The American people are looking for leaders that will represent them boldly and uphold their wishes. We ask nothing less than what the city councilors were elected for and that is to represent the people of Albuquerque.
    lewis

    Our city councilors have a chance to make history in our city, please urge them to do so.

    To find out who your city councilor is click here. You may contact them all though.

    Councilor Ken Sanchez:kensanchez@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3183

    Councilor Roxanna Meyers:rmeyers@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3159

    Councilor Isaac Benton: ibenton@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3186

    Councilor Brad Winter: bwinter@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3101

    Councilor Dan Lewis: danlewis@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3189

    Councilor Rey Garduño: reygarduno@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3136

    Councilor Janice Arnold-Jones: jarnold-jones@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3136

    Councilor Trudy Jones: trudyjones@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3106

    Councilor Don Harris: dharris@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3123

  • Action Item: Contact ABQ City Councilors

    Action Item: Contact ABQ City Councilors

    Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to collect signatures for the 20 week abortion ban here in Albuquerque. The fact that 27,000 signatures were collected in just three weeks is a powerful testimony to what can be accomplished when we get activated to stand for life.

    Currently, we await the signatures to be validated by City Clerk’s office. According to recent news it appears that they have picked up the pace in completing this process, although we are still not sure which ballot this ordinance will appear on. Either way, we believe that we will get the ordinance passed because late term abortions are indefensible and most Americans support banning abortions after 20 weeks.

    In the meantime, we must be pro-active and contact our city councilors. There has been much speculation about how much a special election will cost the city if it comes to that with this ordinance. Let’s not forget that that we as New Mexicans already fund abortions 100% through New Mexico Medicaid. Banning lucrative late term abortions will save our state money, protect our women and children.

    Please, respectfully, contact our city councilors (call and email). They must hear from us this week before their next meeting on August 19th.

    Request that they:

    1. Adopt the Pain Capable Unborn Child Ordinance due to the overwhelming amount of signatures that were collected (in 3 weeks). The citizens of Albuquerque clearly want this ordinance enacted. Adopting the ordinance allows us to bypass an election altogether and saves the city money it would spend on a special election.

    2. (IMPORTANT) Pass a resolution to allow the sponsors of the measure to defend it against any challenges. This means that once the ordinance is voted upon and passes, if it is challenged by those who are pro-abortion we would be able to defend it in court and again save the city money. We would utilize our own attorneys and the burden will not be on the city to do this.

    To find out who your city councilor is click here. You may contact them all though.

    Councilor Ken Sanchez: kensanchez@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3183Councilor Roxanna Meyers: rmeyers@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3159

    Councilor Isaac Benton: ibenton@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3186

    Councilor Brad Winter: bwinter@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3101

    Councilor Dan Lewis: danlewis@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3189

    Councilor Rey Garduño: reygarduno@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3136

    Councilor Janice Arnold-Jones: jarnold-jones@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3136

    Councilor Trudy Jones: trudyjones@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3106

    Councilor Don Harris: dharris@cabq.gov
    Telephone: (505) 768-3123

    Also, plan to attend the next City Council meeting on August 19th (5:00pm) to express your approval of the ordinance as well as the points above. Sign up for public comment at the back beforehand.

    Location: Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center
    One Civic Plaza
    Albuquerque, NM
    87102

    Please do this right away and thank you! This is our chance to make history in Albuquerque, the nation is watching and waiting to see the outcome. Join us in prayer that the citizens of ABQ will take a vital stand to protect women and children from abortion.

  • Project Defending Life Launches ABQ Public Awareness Campaign: Do You Know? Do You Care?

    Project Defending Life Launches ABQ Public Awareness Campaign: Do You Know? Do You Care?

    Albuquerque, NM- Project Defending Life and Survivors will begin a public awareness campaign asking the citizens of Albuquerque:”Do you know, Do you care” that abortion is legal through all 9 months of pregnancy in Albuquerque?

    “Do you know, Do you care” that Albuquerque is known as the late term abortion capital of the country?

    “Do you know, Do you care” that abortions at 18 weeks and beyond involve greater risk to the mother than carrying the pregnancy to term?

    “Do you know, Do you care” that the unborn baby at 8 weeks responds to touch and as early as 20 weeks (5 months) gestation experiences pain?

    In July, 27,000 Albuquerque residents proclaimed with their signature that they no longer want Albuquerque to be known as the late term abortion capital in the country. In just 3 weeks the residents of Albuquerque have ensured that the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance will be on an Albuquerque city election ballot.

    “This is the beginning of many efforts to make sure that the community votes “YES” on this ordinance when the time comes.The true beneficiaries of this effort to end barbaric late term abortion in Albuquerque are the moms and babies that will be protected as a result. Late term abortions are not in line with the true values of New Mexicans,” stated Tara Shaver.

    Monday, August 5 young people will begin educating the community and encouraging voters to support the ordinance that will end late term abortion in Albuquerque.

    We would also like to invite concerned citizens to join us for nightly Town Hall Meetings starting August 5-10th at  St. Cecilia Hall @ St. Pius School, 4000 St. Josephs Dr. (directly north of the Catholic Center)7:00pm.

    Contact Tara Shaver for more information: 505-319-7825