Albuquerque, NM- This week we were reminded of what our ministry is all about when God brought two mothers that we have helped over the years back into our lives. Pro-Life ministry is about saving babies lives by revealing the light and love of Christ to their mothers in their darkest hour, when it seems to them that an abortion is their only option.
There are many ways to save the lives of pre-born children, and for four years of our ministry here in Albuquerque we ministered to women seeking abortions at local abortion centers. Only the Lord knows just how many lives are saved when Christians are faithfully present at these places of death but there is nothing more beautiful than to see the fruit of your labor when visited by the moms who chose life because of your presence.
We continue to be blessed by still receiving phone calls and emails from mothers in need and also encouraging thank you’s from moms that we have had the privilege of ministering to over the past 7 years.
She Hitchhiked to an Abortion Center…
Mom “A” came right up to me [Tara] at a prayer service and even though we’d only met over the phone she said,
“I just want to say thank you for being there for me that day, if your husband hadn’t been there at the clinic, I would have done something bad, because he was there I didn’t.”
In tears I embraced her and was reminded that this is what our ministry is all about, helping moms choose life for their babies.
(Mom “A” and her son spared from abortion. She now wants to share the good news about what Christ has done in her life by sidewalk counseling out at local abortion centers and use her testimony to help other women!)
Mom “A” hitchhiked to an abortion center in 2013 and approached Bud. Bud ministered to her, showed her what an abortion would do to her baby, assessed her situation and ultimately drove her to Project Defending Life. We put her in touch with a local family who took her and her daughter into their home until she left for Teen Challenge.
“My name is Andrea. I am currently working with “A”. She is 11 weeks pregnant. Her story is nothing short of amazing.
Here is a single mother who after finding out she was pregnant for the second time was excited until her boyfriend began to pressure her to have an abortion.
She fought it till finally she gave in and went to the clinic. Inside she hoped and prayed that someone would stop her before she went in.
Upon arrival, she met Bud Shaver, God’s messenger. He had her talk to his wife Tara Shaver and Tara asked her if she would go to Project Defending Life (PDL). She agreed to go. She was relieved and she kept her baby!!
She attended parenting classes at PDL for two weeks and on the third week I met her.
I was there to support a mom and a daughter who were intercepted at the late-term clinic on Lomas. “A” needed a ride home. I offered and she accepted. On our ride home she told me the whole story-meeting Bud, her trip to PDL. But the battle for her baby was not over yet.
She told me about her substance abuse. It broke my heart. She told me she was two weeks clean. But many nights there in the war zone at her apartment, “friends” would come over. They would invite their friends and it would be one big drug party.
She tried to be strong and tell them to leave but they wouldn’t. People would stay all hours of the night and on to the next morning. Some she didn’t even know.
I told her that her and her 3-year old daughter cannot stay one more day in her apartment. My mom lovingly took her in. I also told her about Teen Challenge. She was thrilled to hear about it and said she was ready to go. She told me that she wants to start a new life for her and her daughter.
That night before I left she prayed to give her life to Christ.
Since she made that decision to go to Teen Challenge she has had no end of criticism from her family but I did expect that.
We are almost to the finish line! After one tiring week of tests and Dr. appointments, lawyers and errands we have a move date-November 19th 2013. Teen Challenge has accepted her and her daughter into the program. It is the only Teen Challenge that will let her take her child into the program as well.”
(November 18, 2013, the day before she left for Teen Challenge. We had the privilege to take a photo with “A”: pictured in the middle [pregnant with her son], her daughter and the pro-life warriors who took care of her.)
Homeless and Alone…
Mom “B”, who we also reconnected with and were able to give follow up support and prayers to this week was initially given our phone number while she was staying at the Albuquerque, “Safe House” which is a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. She received our number from another woman that we had helped when she was pregnant…years ago!
When we met “B”, she was in fear for her life because of the baby’s father. She had no one to help her and wasn’t sure how she was going to make it, homeless with a new baby on the way. Over the course of several weeks of ministering to her, we were able to pray with her, help her secure housing, and bring her to the CareNet in Rio Rancho where she received maternity and baby items.
Here is a picture of her precious baby girl born in August 2017:
Through your prayers and support of our pro-life ministry here in New Mexico these babies are alive today.
Please consider making a one time or monthly recurring tax deductible donation to our ministry so that we can continue to do our life saving work carrying the gospel of life to those who so desperately need it.
Love and Blessings, Bud and Tara Shaver
As full time Pro-Life Missionaries we are funded by everyday people like you. Help us continue to stand for life and expose the abortion industry in New Mexico by donating securely online or by sending a tax-deductible check made out to: “Life Ministries U.S.” P.O. Box 50351, Albuquerque, NM 87181
You may also schedule a convenient monthly donation here.
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
You can now support our ministry through AmazonSmile and more…
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to announce that we have signed up Life Ministries U.S., which is the umbrella 501c3 nonprofit organization of Abortion Free New Mexico and Pro-Life Witness ministries, on Amazon Smile.
Life Ministries U.S. is a consortium of ministries dedicated to obtaining constitutional protection (personhood) for unborn children from the moment of conception. Visit LifeMinistriesUS.org
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to Life Ministries U.S.
Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price.
So, if you do any shopping on Amazon, please click here on our unique link or on the picture below to select Life Ministries U.S. as the charitable organization that a percentage of your purchases will automatically be given to.
Follow these instructions to get started:
1. Click the link above and you will be directed to smile.amazon.com, where you will either sign in to your amazon account or click underneath to create an account.
2. Once you are logged in take look under the search bar and notice where it says “Supporting: Life Ministries U.S.” This is what you should see each time you make a purchase through AmazonSmile.
3. When shopping, in order for Life Ministries US to obtain a percentage of your purchase, you must shop through smile.amazon.com.
Another fantastic way to support our work as Pro-lIfe Missionaries is through Real Estate for Life. Like AmazonSmile this costs you nothing but blesses our ministry efforts…
Are you or someone you know in the market to buy or sell a home or commercial property?
You can support our pro-life ministry at no cost to you by taking advantage of the Real Estate for Life program.
We’ve been working hard to expose the New Mexico abortion cartel… Prayerfully consider a one-time year end tax deductible donation so we can finish 2017 strong!
As full time Pro-Life Missionaries we are funded by everyday people like you. Help us continue to stand for life and expose the abortion industry in New Mexico by donating securely online at ProLifeWitness.org or by sending a tax-deductible check made out to: “Life Ministries U.S.” P.O. Box 50351, Albuquerque, NM 87181
You may also schedule a convenient monthly donation here.
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
Albuquerque, NM– This is the latest installment documenting the abortion landscape in New Mexico and a continuation of Abortion Free New Mexico’s exposure of the radical abortion agenda at the University of New Mexico.
In Abortion Free New Mexico’s latest undercover project that has taken viewers inside the notorious Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) late term abortion facility, the investigation has also uncovered that the University of New Mexico (UNM), a publicly funded institution, is willing to collude with late term abortionists to deliver dead babies at UNM Hospital once a deadly injection is administered by abortionists at SWO.
The price tag of a late term abortion at Southwestern Women’s Options is a staggering $17,000, but in a SHOCKING revelation, SWO employee Susana Estorga, states that for $5,000 they would be willing to offer the fetal injection ALONE and then send the woman away to deliver the baby 2-3 days later elsewhere.
The fetal injection administered by SWO abortionists kills the baby in the womb by slowly stopping their heart over 4-6 grueling hours.
If a woman opts to obtain the fetal injection at Southwestern Women’s Options, SWO has an expectation that other OB-GYN’s will oversee the completion of the labor and delivery of the stillborn child. However, most OB-GYN’s will not participate in abortions, especially at religious hospitals, like Presbyterian in Albuquerque, so SWO is apparently relying upon the University of New Mexico’s entrenched abortion agenda and utilizes an arrangement to ensure that “injection only” patients can labor and deliver their dead babies at UNM Hospital.
In an undercover phone call placed to the Women’s and Children’s Health Care Clinic at UNM Hospital, Tara Shaver with Abortion Free New Mexico also confirmed the fact that, Lily Bayat a UNM Fellow at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center would deliver the dead baby at UNM Hospital after Southwestern Women’s Options administered the lethal injection.
Lily Bayat holds positions at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences center in the Divisions of Family Planning and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynocology. In addition, Bayat receives an annual salary by the University New Mexico of $57,747 as a, “Visiting Instructor”.
(Second year Fellow- UNM Abortionist Lily Bayat, MD)
“Abortion Free New Mexico has exposed just how deep the collusion is between the University of New Mexico and Southwestern Women’s Options to ensure that late term abortions continue up to the day of birth. Hospitals are meant to be places where the sick go for healing, but the abortion industry is utilizing them for their own sordid death agenda.” Tara Shaver, Spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico.
GLARING CONTRADICTIONS
The Albuquerque Journal published an article on December 20, 2015 titled, UNMHSC halts training at private abortion clinic in it the ABQ Journal reported that, “UNMHSC officials said last week that they will no longer send medical fellows or residents to Boyd’s clinic, which is located in Downtown Albuquerque.”
However, UNM’s website contradicts that report and still clearly states, as of publishing time of this article, October 31, 2017…
“Fellows are trained in abortion and contraception care, using evidence-based medical and surgical methods. Training occurs primarily at the UNM Center for Reproductive Health, the Albuquerque Planned Parenthood Surgical Center, and Southwestern Women’s Options (Dr. Curtis Boyd). Later second and third trimester abortions are performed at UNM Hospital and at SWO.”
In addition, Southwestern Women’s Options is currently listed as a UNM Clinical Training Site.
Despite these glaring contradictions that show a continued relationship between UNM and SWO, Abortion Free New Mexico has conclusively confirmed that a current Fellow at the University of New Mexico, Lily Bayak, is willing to work with Southwestern Women’s Options patients to complete a late term abortion at UNM Hospital once the fetal injection is administered to kill the pre-born baby.
Fr. Stephen Imbarrato: The Protest Priest with Priests for Life issued the following statement,
“The collaboration between Southwestern Women’s Options, UNM Center for Reproductive Health abortion facility, and UNM Hospital shows that UNMHSC headed by Dr Paul Roth is the heart of the New Mexico Abortion Industry.
As a taxpayer, I am appalled that tax money pays for this unnecessary bloodshed! What is worse is the knowledge that Dr. Paul Roth’s right hand man, Ryan Cangiolosi is the head of the New Mexico Republican Party! This is the “statewide conspiracy of complacency and complicity” that we have been speaking about for a decade now!”
ACTION ITEM: Abortion Free New Mexico is asking that you contact the University of New Mexico Regents and respectfully ask them to STOP ALLOWING ABORTIONISTS AT UNM HOSPITAL TO PROMOTE AND PERFORM LATE TERM ABORTIONS AT THE EXPENSE OF NEW MEXICO TAX DOLLARS. In addition, respectfully ask them to PERMENANTLY cut all ties with Planned Parenthood of New Mexico and Southwestern Women’s Options.
This month we released an undercover video that gives a rare look from inside the nation’s largest late term abortion facility, Southwestern Women’s Options. This video is 5 minutes long and combines raw footage of dialogue with clinic staff and also exclusive interviews with the undercover investigator detailing her unique account of what it was like to go inside of a late term abortion center while pregnant at 37 weeks gestation.
Felicia, the undercover investigator, had been given two genetic tests that were positive for Trisomy 18, also called Edwards’ Syndrome, that causes severe developmental delays due to an extra chromosome 18. This made Felicia the ideal operative for going inside Southwestern Women’s Options to uncover just how far into the pregnancy they would perform a third trimester abortion. During her consultation with Susana Estorga, a clinic employee, Estorga counsels Felicia and prepares her for the 4 day long procedure that begins with an injection into the womb through either the abdominal wall or vaginally. This injection causes a fetal heart attack that stops the baby’s heart over the course of 4-6 grueling hours. She is also told that the procedure will cost $17,000 and was instructed on how to obtain New Mexico Medicaid to have the procedure paid for with state tax dollars.
Two days after what would have been Felicia’s “fake” abortion appointment, at 38 weeks of pregnancy, she went into labor at home and later delivered a healthy baby boy, Jonah.
“But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!” Jonah 2:6
“Southwestern Women’s Options shows no bounds when it comes to performing late term abortions on babies with birth defects, even as late as 37 weeks gestation. In addition this case proves that there are, in fact, a percentage of women who receive false positive testing for birth defects diagnosed in utero. The inconclusive genetic testing and often misdiagnosis offered by genetic counselors are a death sentence for vulnerable babies in the womb. This is an appalling revelation that the community at large must question, especially when these genetic tests are then used to pressure women into obtaining lucrative late term abortions that our latest video reveals can cost, up to $17,000,” stated Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico.
CM EXCLUSIVE: INTERVIEW WITH NEW MEXICO’S PRO-LIFE INVESTIGATORS
Church Militant wrote an extensive report about this latest project and an exclusive profile piece about our work over the past 7 years here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Bud and Tara Shaver, pro-life advocates dedicated to ending abortion in America, were commissioned to Albuquerque by Operation Rescue in 2010. They have been working full-time to “bring our culture and community to a point … where New Mexico understands and embraces a culture of life.”
Church Militant spoke with Tara Shaver about their latest project, investigating Southwestern Women’s Options to see just how close to birth they were willing to abort. Shaver said, “We’d been praying for an informant or someone to come forward with information,” when Felicia (last name withheld) approached the group through a mutual friend…
In addition, we also released a more in-depth interview with Felicia, who went undercover into Southwestern Women’s Options, the nation’s most notorious late term abortion facility, while 37 weeks pregnant.
In this in-depth follow up interview, Felicia shares more about what it was like going into the late term facility. She discusses her emotions while inside, her interactions with clinic staff, and how the late term procedure is performed over 3-4 days. She also shares her reaction when told that the procedure will cost $17,000 and about how she was instructed to obtain NM Medicaid to have the procedure paid for with state tax dollars. Felicia ends the interview with words of encouragement aimed at women who may be facing a similar fetal anomaly diagnosis while pregnant and speaks to the sanctity of all human life.
“This project has uncovered the shocking reality that the medical community is knowingly relying on faulty and misleading genetic testing that leads women to local abortion facilities to kill their babies. According to known published studies, 60% of prenatal tests can come back with false positives on babies without any genetic defects,” stated Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico.
40 Days for Life: Albuquerque, New Mexico
We joined former Albuquerque Mayoral Candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes and her husband Earl for prayer and protest outside the Planned Parenthood surgical center in Albuquerque!
While Michelle did not win the mayoral election we are so thankful to have gotten to know her and support a candidate that loves the Lord and cares for our city and those who reside in it, including precious babies in the womb.
We’re praying that the Lord will use Michelle to continue to be a voice for life and truth in New Mexico. Thank you for your prayers and for standing with our family as we work to light up the darkness in our state.
Join Us in Our Prayer for New Mexico:
“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!” Jonah 2:2
Buying or selling a home or commercial property?
You can support Pro-Life Witness at no cost to you by taking advantage of the Real Estate for Life program.
Call 1.877.543.3871 or email proliferealestate@yahoo.com for more information Visit www.realestateforlife.orgto find a Pro-life Realtor!
We’ve been working hard to expose the New Mexico abortion cartel… Prayerfully consider a one-time year end tax deductible donation so we can finish 2017 strong!
As full time Pro-Life Missionaries we are funded by everyday people like you. Help us continue to stand for life and expose the abortion industry in New Mexico by donating securely online at ProLifeWitness.org or by sending a tax-deductible check made out to: “Life Ministries U.S.” P.O. Box 50351, Albuquerque, NM 87181
You may also schedule a convenient monthly donation here.
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
“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
Albuquerque, NM- Abortion Free New Mexico has released a more in-depth interview with Felicia, who went undercover into Southwestern Women’s Options, the nation’s most notorious late term abortion facility, while 37 weeks pregnant. World Net Daily described the first video, released last week, documenting Southwestern Women’s Options willingness to perform an abortion as late as 37 weeks of pregnancy as “stunning.”
Felicia was the perfect operative to go inside to document just how far into the pregnancy Southwestern Women’s Options was willing to perform a late-term abortion since her son Jonah was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, while in utero as a result of two genetic tests. Two days after what would have been Felicia’s scheduled abortion appointment at 38 weeks of pregnancy she went into labor and he was born, perfectly healthy. In this video she shares more about the fetal diagnosis she received that resulted in pressure to have an abortion by her genetic counselor. She also shares words of encouragement aimed at women who may be facing a similar fetal anomaly diagnosis while pregnant and speaks to the sanctity of all human life.
“This project has uncovered the shocking reality that the medical community is knowingly relying on faulty and misleading genetic testing that leads women to local abortion facilities to kill their babies. According to known published studies, 60% of prenatal tests can come back with false positives on babies without any genetic defects,” stated Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico.
In this in-depth follow up interview, Felicia shares more about what it was like going into the late term facility. She discusses her emotions while inside, her interactions with clinic staff, and how the late term procedure is performed over 3-4 days. She also shares her reaction when told that the procedure will cost $17,000 and about how she was instructed to obtain New Mexico Medicaid to have the procedure paid for with state tax dollars.
Church Militant wrote up an extensive report about this latest project and an exclusive profile piece about our work over the past 7 years here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Here is an excerpt:
Bud and Tara Shaver, pro-life advocates dedicated to ending abortion in America, were commissioned to Albuquerque by Operation Rescue in 2010. They have been working full-time to “bring our culture and community to a point … where New Mexico understands and embraces a culture of life.”
Church Militant spoke with Tara Shaver about their latest project, investigating Southwestern Women’s Options to see just how close to birth they were willing to abort. Shaver said, “We’d been praying for an informant or someone to come forward with information,” when Felicia (last name withheld) approached the group through a mutual friend…
Father Stephen Imbarrato, of Priests for Life issued the following statement,
“The teaching of the Catholic Church is clear. Every procured abortion is intrinsically evil. The undercover work of Abortion Free New Mexico exposes that abortion is not only legal in New Mexico, but is performed up till the day of birth funded with public tax dollars. As a Catholic priest, I am appalled at how many Catholic politicians and taxpayers in our state defy their Catholic faith and support this mass murder of the unborn. It is a conspiracy of silence that has brought us to this unacceptable and deplorable situation. The blood of these babies is crying out to heaven for justice yet the silence from every sector of our state is deafening.”
Albuquerque, NM- Abortion Free New Mexico released an undercover video that gives a rare look from inside the nation’s largest late term abortion facility, Southwestern Women’s Options. This video is 5 minutes long and combines raw footage of dialogue with clinic staff and also exclusive interviews with the undercover investigator detailing her unique account of what it was like to go inside of a late term abortion center while pregnant at 37 weeks gestation.
Felicia, the undercover investigator, had been given two genetic tests that were positive for Trisomy 18, also called Edwards’ Syndrome, that causes severe developmental delays due to an extra chromosome 18. This made Felicia the ideal operative for going inside Southwestern Women’s Options to uncover just how far into the pregnancy they would perform a third trimester abortion. During her consultation with Susana Estorga, a clinic employee, Estorga counsels Felicia and prepares her for the 4 day long procedure that begins with an injection into the womb through either the abdominal wall or vaginally. This injection causes a fetal heart attack that stops the baby’s heart over the course of 4-6 grueling hours. She is also told that the procedure will cost $17,000 and was instructed on how to obtain New Mexico Medicaid to have the procedure paid for with state tax dollars.
Two days after what would have been Felicia’s scheduled abortion appointment at 38 weeks of pregnancy she went into labor at home and later delivered a healthy baby boy.
(Felicia and healthy baby Jonah!)
“Southwestern Women’s Options shows no bounds when it comes to performing late term abortions on babies with birth defects, even as late as 37 weeks gestation. In addition this case proves that there are, in fact, a percentage of women who receive false positive testing for birth defects diagnosed in utero. The inconclusive genetic testing and often misdiagnosis offered by genetic counselors are a death sentence for vulnerable babies in the womb. This is an appalling revelation that the community at large must question, especially when these genetic tests are then used to pressure women into obtaining lucrative late term abortions that our latest video reveals can cost, up to $17,000,” stated Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico.
Shaver has documented extensively how dangerous the late term procedure is. In fact, Abortion Free New Mexico received an anonymous tip that, in February, 2017 a woman died from complications incurred during the several day late term abortion procedure. Abortion Free New Mexico’s attorney then obtained the woman’s autopsy report, through a public records request, which shed light on how the late term abortion contributed to her untimely death.
Abortion Free New Mexico will be releasing a more in-depth interview in the coming days with Felicia about what she experienced inside Southwestern Women’s Options, including a personal message to pregnant women who may be facing a similar fetal anomaly diagnosis.
We have had an incredible month of service to our Lord in many ways here in Albuquerque. Two things that have resonated with us throughout everything we have done is how important perspective and principle are. Having an eternal/kingdom perspective is so vital as we live Christian lives and as we fulfill God’s purposes in our ministry. This has become abundantly clear as we have waged battles on various fronts this month. It is so easy to think with a worldly mindset and to put what we think God can use for His glory into a little box. It reminds us of how an angel responds to Sarah in Genesis 18:14,
“Is there anything too extraordinary for the Lord?”
The Lord can use small efforts, big efforts and even those that seem trivial or out of the ordinary to accomplish mighty things through His faithful servants. Our hearts and minds must be sensitive to how the Holy Spirit is moving and we must allow the Spirit to guide our every step of faith for the glory of God.
This month we have also had to cling to doing what’s right based principle instead of popularity. Proverbs 11:3 tells us that,
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
As God’s people we must exhibit and preserve our integrity even in the face of attacks and those who seek to undermine our efforts. God’s word and your prayers have built us up this month as we move forward toward an Abortion Free New Mexico. We have confidence in knowing that our perspective is kingdom focused and that our allegiance is to the God who has made us and called us to this important work of saving lives. Thank you for standing with us.
Join Us In Our Prayer for New Mexico
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. Hebrews 6:11
Four brave Pro-life Priests endorse Mayoral Candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes, this has never happened before in Albuquerque!
“As a woman, wife and mother who is a resident of Albuquerque, I recognize the need for a mayor who is going to work to turn our city around in the right direction and has the experience to bring the positive change that our city desperately needs. There are many things that plague our city like crime, corruption and late term abortion. In February of this year a 23 yr old woman died during an abortion at 6 months of pregnancy at Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion center. Late term abortions have no place in our city and put the lives of women at risk who need love and assistance, not abortion. We need a mayor like Michelle Garcia Holmes who truly cares for our city and the people who live here. Michelle Garcia Holmes has made the commitment to work to make our city safe and prosperous for all. We hope that we can count on your support for the first woman mayor of Albuquerque on October 3rd,” stated Tara Shaver, Abortion Free New Mexico.
Albuquerque was one of three locations nationwide to participate in the Red Rose Rescue on September 15th.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico two faithful sidewalk counselors decided to set aside the arbitrary boundary outside local abortion centers and peacefully entered the University of New Mexico Center for Reproductive Health abortuary and gave a red rose to a client waiting inside. In addition, the client was lovingly offered life affirming alternatives to abortion. The University of New Mexico is a publicly funded institution and is currently under criminal investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General’s office. No rescuers were arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“As pro-life missionaries we have been called to defend life and to rescue those being led to the slaughter. Peaceful direct action to save the lives of these innocent babies and persuading their mothers to choose life is such a beautiful sacrifice. We were blessed to stand in solidarity with the babies, Mary Wagner and fellow Red Rose Rescuers today in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” stated Tara Shaver, Abortion Free New Mexico.
UPDATE on Our Long Awaited Meeting with New Mexico Archbishop Wester
This month we had our long anticipated meeting with New Mexico Archbishop John C. Wester. It was a good opportunity for us to hear his heart and for him to get to know us and our Abortion Free New Mexico team. It was a very productive meeting, the Archbishop committed to forming a Pro-Life Commission ensuring that pro-life issues will receive equal status throughout all of New Mexico’s parishes!
In Light of Abortion Patient Death, New Mexico Rep. Pearce Seeks Federal Investigation
Excerpt from a report by Cheryl Sullenger, Operation Rescue
Rep. Steve Pearce has sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions seeking an investigation and prosecution of the University of New Mexico and its partner, Southwestern Women’s Options, the largest full-term abortion facility in the U.S. Pearce’s letter expresses urgency for a Federal investigation.
Pearce was especially troubled about the February 4, 2017, death of Keisha Atkins from a botched late-term abortion she received at Southwestern Women’s Options.
“On February 4, 2017, a woman tragically died at SWWO facilities after receiving a late-term abortion. This raises more questions about the reckless behavior of the SWWO. In 2016 alone, the National Abortion Federation reportedly referred more than 200 Texas patients to New Mexico for abortion related procedures. With hundreds of women flocking to New Mexico to receive these dangerous procedures, something must be done” Pearce wrote.
Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico uncovered the death of Keisha Atkins, 23, and obtained her UNM autopsy report that wrongly indicated Atkins’ pregnancy – not her abortion – caused her death. However, an analysis of the autopsy report clearly shows that determination was a cover-up of the truth that Atkins died a painful, panic-filled death as the result of complications that could only have resulted from the late-term abortion.
As full time Pro-Life Missionaries we are funded by everyday people like you. Help us continue to stand for life and expose the abortion industry in New Mexico by donating online or by sending a check made out to “Life Ministries U.S.” P.O. Box 50351, Albuquerque, NM 87181
You may also schedule a convenient monthly donation here.
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
“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
Albuquerque, NM- Four local pro life priests, Fr. Stephen Imbarrato with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and Priests for Life, Fr. Leo Padget of Saint Bernadette Parish in Albuquerque, Fr. Rick Zerwas of Sacred Heart Parish in Albuquerque, and Fr. John Carney of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe for 25 years (retired) stood publicly in support of Michelle Garcia Holmes for Mayor of Albuquerque.
“We support Michelle Garcia Holmes for Mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico! Catholics support life here in Albuquerque, the late term abortion capital of the country,” stated Fr. Stephen Imbarrato at a press conference held in Albuquerque today.
Michelle Garcia Holmes has the experience and heart needed to turn Albuquerque around. Our city will not change unless we elect Godly leaders. Please tell your friends and family to check out her website and vote on October 3rd for the first woman Mayor of Albuquerque.
(From Left: Fr. John Carney, Fr. Leo Padget, Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, and Fr. Rick Zerwas)
Watch the full press conference here:
Women March to the Polls for Michelle Garcia Holmes
After the press conference local Albuquerque women joined Michelle Garcia Holmes in a march to the polls to vote together for the 1st Female Mayor of Albuquerque! It is no coincidence that the 1st Female Mayor of Albuquerque can be found on the 1st line of the ballot!
“As a woman, wife and mother who is a resident of Albuquerque, I recognize the need for a mayor who is going to work to turn our city around in the right direction and has the experience to bring the positive change that our city desperately needs. There are many things that plague our city like crime, corruption and late term abortion. In February of this year a 23 yr old woman died during an abortion at 6 months of pregnancy at Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion center. Late term abortions have no place in our city and put the lives of women at risk who need love and assistance, not abortion. We need a mayor like Michelle Garcia Holmes who truly cares for our city and the people who live here. Michelle Garcia Holmes has made the commitment to work to make our city safe and prosperous for all. We hope that we can count on your support for the first woman mayor of Albuquerque on October 3rd,” stated Tara Shaver, Abortion Free New Mexico.
BREAKING: Red Rose Rescue in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM- On Friday, September 15, 2017in three different cities across the United States, pro-lifers entered abortion centers to talk to women scheduled for abortions and offered an act of non-violent defense of unborn children about to be aborted.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico two faithful sidewalk couselors decided to set aside the arbitrary boundary outside local abortion centers and peacefully entered the University of New Mexico Center for Reproductive Health abortuary and gave a red rose to a client waiting inside. In addition, the client was lovingly offered life affirming alternatives to abortion. The University of New Mexico is a publicly funded institution and is currently under criminal investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General’s office.
Those defending the unborn also entered Northland Family Planning, 3810 17 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI; Alexandria Women’s Health Clinic, 101 S Whiting St. #215, Alexandria, Virginia. Once inside, small teams of pro-lifers quietly approached mothers seated in the waiting rooms and offered them red roses as a symbol of life. Attached to each rose was a card which stated on one side, “You were made to love and to be loved… your goodness is greater than the difficulties of your situation. Circumstances in life change. A new life, however tiny, brings the promise of unrepeatable joy.” and a national hotline phone number directing to them to local pregnancy help centers on the other.
The Red Rose Rescue is modeled after the pro-life rescue activity of well-known Canadian activist Mary Wagner, who has repeatedly entered Toronto abortion centers and offered red roses to mothers waiting to have their children aborted.
Monica Migliorino Miller, director of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society who participated in the rescue at the Michigan clinic, explains:
“The Red Rose Rescue is an act of charity for women who feel for whatever reason they must have their innocent unborn children killed. Those who took part were willing to embrace risks for these women and their babies. We will go into the very places where the unborn are put to death and extend help to the moms. Should this help be refused—we will not leave the abortion centers but remain in solidarity with the helpless victims oppressed by the injustice of abortion. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta said that her work was “to go into the dark holes of the poor.” The Red Rose Rescue is an action of going into the dark holes of the poor—namely abortion centers where the innocent are rejected—and in these dark holes we seek to bring hope, true peace and the presence of God.”
According to LifeSiteNews, “10 pro-life activists, including two Catholic priests, were arrested this morning at a Michigan and a Virginia abortion facility while attempting to persuade women not to abort their unborn children.”
No rescuers were arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“As pro-life missionaries we have been called to defend life and to rescue those being led to the slaughter. Peaceful direct action to save the lives of these innocent babies and persuading their mothers to choose life is such a beautiful sacrifice. We were blessed to stand in solidarity with the babies, Mary Wagner and fellow Red Rose Rescuers today in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” stated Tara Shaver, Abortion Free New Mexico.
Read the reports from LifeSiteNews and watch video’s from the Red Rose Rescues:
Albuquerque, NM- Early voting starts today, September 13, 2017 in Albuquerque. With this election, the voters of Albuquerque have the opportunity to literally change the DIRECTION and REPUTATION of this city with a NEW mayor!
Albuquerque is…
The Late Term Abortion Capital of America.
#1 in the Nation for Auto Theft
#5 in the Nation for Violent Crime
As a retired 20 year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department, Michelle Garcia Holmes has the experience to take on Albuquerque’s crime epidemic. In addition, during her time serving as the Chief of Staff for the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office she created a task force to take on government corruption and sex trafficking.
Here is real change that Michelle’s leadership has ALREADY brought to New Mexico:
Helping get the FIRST anti-human trafficking law through state legislature.
Starting the FIRST anti-Methamphetamine education campaign across New Mexico.
Organizing the FIRST Prescription Drug Summit in New Mexico.
Being the FIRST city in NM to get an indictment on DNA of an unknown rapist. Because of that indictment, that rapist is serving a 276-year sentence.
“Michelle Garcia Holmes is not of the political class which has consistently ignored the unrestricted abortion cartel in Albuquerque and New Mexico. I believe she is the real change we need! The 1st Female Mayor of Albuquerque can be found on the 1st line of the election ballot!” Fr. Stephen Imbarrato: The Protest Priest
Michelle Garcia Holmes has also lead the charge for the Pro-Life Community in Albuquerque. Her pro-life statement is featured prominently on her website under the ABOUT tab.
Please share with friends and family in Albuquerque and let’s help Michelle Garcia Holmes become the first pro-life woman mayor of Albuquerque.
Volunteers needed to call voters from 6-8pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night this week. Location: 1815 4th St. NW
-If you don’t live in Albuquerque PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CITY
-Contact friends and family and tell them to vote for Michelle
-Make phone calls to registered voters
-Go door to door and distribute fliers
-Hold signs/banners at busy intersections
-Pass out fliers/hold signs at the polls on October 3rd
Contact Tara for more information shavermissions@gmail.com
Vote for Michelle Garcia Holmes for mayor and let’s turn this city around!
MICHELLE GARCIA HOLMES OFFICIAL PRO-LIFE STATEMENT:
I’m pro-life because life is precious, children are precious. Mothers need support and education from the moment a baby is conceived. Each and every baby should be wanted, these are children, they are someone’s son, someone’s daughter. I have a strong faith and belief system that tells me we cannot separate our faith and ideological beliefs on this issue. My faith guides me to have mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and to care for the most vulnerable. Life is precious.
We must be more united within the pro-life movement, within our communities, within our churches, and within government. We need to make a positive difference in the lives of all of the children, mothers and fathers. I am saddened and troubled that our city of Albuquerque has the reputation of being the “abortion capital of the southwest” and “the late term abortion capital of the United States.”
43 states across our country have enacted bans on late term abortion and well over 70% of Americans across the country believe late term abortion should be banned. New Mexico is the least restrictive abortion state in the country and because of that people come from all over the world, especially surrounding states to obtain late term abortions, even up to the day of birth.
As Mayor, I will provide oversight over abortion businesses within the city of Albuquerque in order to ensure that these clinics meet the maximum acceptable business and health standards. I will also call upon our state leaders to stand strong for New Mexico families like the other 43 states and call for a ban on late term abortion for our state.
Early this year, I stood up and spoke out at a press conference about a United States Congressional Inquiry involving violations of laws in our city. The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office received the 300-page United States Congressional inquiry last year from Washington D.C. reporting violations of laws in our community involving the research of fetal tissue and organs. I expressed that New Mexico Attorney General Balderas needed to act quickly on the cases presented to him that came out of that inquiry, as they all faced a diminishing time limit for prosecution of these specific violations.
The inquiry provided overwhelming evidence for the Attorney General Balderas to conduct a full investigation. Since receipt of the investigation, the opportunity for over 80 possible cases to be prosecuted has expired. Women and children in our city lost their opportunity for justice. So far, the Attorney General Balderas has not moved forward, effectively allowing these cases to go unprosecuted and eliminated as if they never existed.
This congressional evidence affects hundreds of our New Mexico families. I will continue to speak up for injustice in our city. We should always stay vigilant to ensure families, women and children in our community are protected and justice is served.
-Michelle Garcia Holmes
“Michelle Garcia Holmes is not of the political class which has consistently ignored the unrestricted abortion cartel in Albuquerque and New Mexico. I believe she is the real change we need! The 1st Female Mayor of Albuquerque can be found on the 1st line of the election ballot!” Fr. Stephen Imbarrato: The Protest Priest
Born and raised in Albuquerque
8 Years Chief of Staff in NM Attorney General’s Office
20 Years Experience Albuquerque Police Department
Non Politician; independent and unencumbered
Pro-life, pro-family, pro-business, anti-crime
October 3rd vote for Michelle Garcia Holmes for mayor and let’s turn this city around! Michelle4mayor.org
How you can help:
-Contact friends and family and tell them to vote for Michelle
-Make phone calls to registered voters
-Go door to door and distribute fliers
-Hold signs/banners at busy intersections
-Pass out fliers/hold signs at the polls on October 3rd
Please call or text Grace for more information and let her know how you want to help: justice.grace@yahoo.com
Report by Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue
Albuquerque, NM – Rep. Steve Pearce has sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions seeking an investigation and prosecution of the University of New Mexico and its partner, Southwestern Women’s Options, the largest full-term abortion facility in the U.S. Pearce’s letter expresses urgency for a Federal investigation for the following reasons:
The New Mexico Attorney General’s office has been too slow to act on two criminal referrals made by the House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, allowing many of the charges to expire under the statute of limitations. (Referral 1, Referral 2)
The statute of limitations is quickly approaching the rest of the allegations against UNM and Southwestern Women’s Options.
There has been one documented death of an abortion patient at Southwestern Women’s Options this year, raising concerns that the dangers at SWO must be immediately addressed.
Pearce reminded Attorney General Sessions that women travel to New Mexico from all over the country to receive abortions. This thriving abortion business, which specializes in abortions throughout all nine months of pregnancy, profits from interstate commerce, making the issue a federal concern.
Pearce was especially troubled about the February 4, 2017, death of Keisha Atkins from a botched late-term abortion she received at Southwestern Women’s Options.
“On February 4, 2017, a woman tragically died at SWWO facilities after receiving a late-term abortion. This raises more questions about the reckless behavior of the SWWO. In 2016 alone, the National Abortion Federation reportedly referred more than 200 Texas patients to New Mexico for abortion related procedures. With hundreds of women flocking to New Mexico to receive these dangerous procedures, something must be done” Pearce wrote.
Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico uncovered the death of Keisha Atkins, 23, and obtained her UNM autopsy report that wrongly indicated Atkins’ pregnancy – not her abortion – caused her death. However, an analysis of the autopsy report clearly shows that determination was a cover-up of the truth that Atkins died a painful, panic-filled death as the result of complications that could only have resulted from the late-term abortion.
On April 19, 2017, Rep. Pearce, along with several leaders from state and national pro-life organizations, including Operation Rescue, attended a press conference with Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Chairman of the House Select Panel, that called for New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas to act immediately on the Select Panel’s criminal referrals that allege UNM and Southwestern Women’s Options were willing partners in the sale of aborted baby remains in violation of state and federal laws.
Later that same day, Balderas’ office acknowledged during a meeting with leaders of Operation Rescue, Abortion Free New Mexico, and several other pro-life groups that the referrals were under active investigation, yet there has been little progress.
On June 26, 2017, Operation Rescue president Troy Newman sent a letter to Balderas urging him to investigate criminal allegations against UNM and SWO with all urgency, but no response to that letter was ever received.
“The delay by Balderas’ office seems intentional to protect UNM and SWO from any consequences for their actions, whether it be the illegal sale of aborted baby body parts or their participation and cover-up of death of Keisha Atkins,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “As New Mexico’s ‘Top Cop,’ Balderas is committing a shocking betrayal of the citizens of New Mexico by allowing his ideological cronies in the abortion business to commit crimes without consequence. U.S. Attorney General Sessions must do better than Balderas if the rule of law and the lives of women like Keisha Atkins are to mean anything.
Please contact the office of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and demand that the Department of Justice conduct an immediate criminal investigation of UNM and the Southwestern Women’s Options abortion business.
Albuquerque, NM- This month Tara had the opportunity to speak to a group of ladies in Texarkana, TX. She was invited by a couple who attended the same Bible College as us. Our friends have been inspired by our ministry efforts in New Mexico and asked Tara to share some of the ways we have been bold and courageous in our ministry over the years.
Proverbs 28:1, tells us that “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” God can and does use our boldness as Christians to transform cities and save lives. Our pro-life journey is a testimony to this truth and it is our hope that others will be inspired to boldly live out their faith and impact their communities for life.
From San Francisco, CA where we spoke last month to Texarkana, TX this month, when you partner with us in this ministry, you are sowing into our mission of making communities all across this nation Abortion Free.
Tara in Texarkana, TX this month.
Join Us In Our Prayer for New Mexico
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
New Undercover Recording
On August 14th we released a new video with Priests for Life taken from an undercover phone call placed to Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion facility that clearly explains how second and third trimester abortions are performed in New Mexico.
“Late term abortions are not as some say, ‘only done to save the lives of women’, they are performed to make Curtis Boyd huge profits at the expense of precious human lives,” stated Tara Shaver, Abortion Free New Mexico. In this call a $8,500 fee is quoted for an abortion at 25 weeks of pregnancy. A Manta.com search of Curtis Boyd in Albuquerque shows that his abortion business has an “annual revenue of $1 to $2.5 million.”
“Americans continue, in large majorities, to reject late term abortion,” said Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. “We will continue to expose it by undercover phone calls, so that the existence of these procedures, and their utter barbarity, will be indisputable in the minds and hearts of more and more of our fellow citizens, and that they will take action to end abortion.”
In our report detailing late term abortion Tara also forewarned the dangers posed to women by the late term abortion procedure…
“Southwestern Women’s Options uses an injection to stop the hearts of pre-born babies and a concoction of several medications to artificially induce labor in women and then sends them away to wait for their child to be born dead. This precarious cocktail of medications is and has resulted in serious life threatening complications. In May 2011 a patient at Southwestern Women’s Options was rushed to the emergency room after her uterus ruptured during the very same procedure documented in this call.”
We received an anonymous tip from someone who cared very much about a 23 year old woman who died during a late term abortion procedure. Through a public records request we confirmed this woman’s death and what appears to be a coverup of what really happened to her at Southwestern Women’s Options.
The deaths of women during abortion are inevitable and happen more often than one might think. Women come from all across the world to Albuquerque for late term abortions and those considering coming here deserve to know the dangers they face in doing so.
We were blessed to work with Operation Rescue to uncover and alert the public to this abortion death.
Please join us in prayer that this woman’s death will bring accountability to the abortion industry in New Mexico.
“We join the family of Keisha Atkins as they grieve her death from serious complications during a late term abortion at Southwestern Women’s Options. She was a 23-year old vibrant woman with her whole life ahead of her that was tragically cut short,” stated Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico. “For years we have worked to expose the barbaric nature of late term abortion in New Mexico and sought to bring accountability to the unregulated and unaccountable Abortion Cartel. Now more than ever, we need leadership in our city and state to take a bold stand and the necessary steps to prevent the needless deaths of women and their children through late term abortion.”
Please join us for the annual National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children in Albuquerque
This Year our Prayer service will take place at a site in Albuquerque where two abortion victims, Ryan and Eve are buried.
When: Saturday, September 9th from
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Sandia Memory Garden
Address: 9500 San Pedro Drive NE ABQ 87113
This solemn memorial service will last approximately one hour. Special guests participating in the event include Fr. Stephen Imbarrato: The Protest Priest.
As full time Pro-Life Missionaries we are funded by everyday people like you. Help us continue to stand for life and expose the abortion industry in New Mexico by donating online or by sending a check made out to “Life Ministries U.S.” P.O. Box 50351, Albuquerque, NM 87181
You may also schedule a convenient monthly donation here.
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
“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
Report by Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue
Albuquerque, NM – Tara Shaver opened the mysterious letter that arrived in the mail. She could hardly believe what she was reading.
It was an anonymous tip that informed her a woman named Keisha Atkins had died from a late-term abortion on February 4, 2017.
Shaver and her husband, Bud, who lead Abortion Free New Mexico, have spent years laboring in the pro-life trenches in Albuquerque exposing the largest late-term abortion facility in the United States, Southwestern Women’s Options, and its connections to the publicly-funded University of New Mexico.
Due to their experience and training, once serving as interns for Operation Rescue, they immediately jumped into action. They filed a public records request for Atkins’ autopsy and established a valuable line of communications with her family. They discovered that Atkins’ abortion had been done at Southwestern Women’s Options, which made perfect sense since it alone in New Mexico specializes in late-term abortions throughout all nine months of pregnancy.
They consulted with Operation Rescue over the meaning of the autopsy report. Such reports are written in technical medical jargon that is sometimes difficult for anyone without a medical background to decode. However, this correspondent has been reading autopsies concerning abortion-related deaths for decades.
It did not take long to realize that as everything was not as it seemed.
At first glance, the cause and manner of death of this initially healthy 23-year old woman was made it appear that abortion was not even a factor in Atkins’s death. The cause of death was “Pulmonary thromboembolism due to pregnancy.” Her manner of death was natural.
In other words, the autopsy findings that a blood clot formed as a result of her healthy pregnancy and coincidentally at the moment of the abortion, it traveled to her lungs and killed her.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Once Operation Rescue and Abortion Free New Mexico announced Atkin’s death and released the public autopsy report, the Albuquerque Journal jumped all over it, declaring in their headlines, “Autopsy rules out abortion as cause of death.”
The newspaper cited the opinion of the UNM Office of the Medical Investigator that it was Atkins’ pregnancy that killed her, not the four-day late-term abortion process that Operation Rescue believes was mismanaged by eighty-year old abortionist, Curtis Boyd, and fumbled by UNM hospital where she died.
But as William Shakespeare once said, “Truth will out.”
No matter how much UNM may have tried to obfuscate what happened to Keisha Atkins, the truth seeps through in the pages of the autopsy report in descriptions of her physical condition and the complications she experienced in what must have been an excruciatingly panic-filled and painful death.
“Somehow, these people want us to believe that Atkins developed blood clots as a result of her pregnancy, and through no one’s fault, a blood clot just coincidentally moved to her lung and killed her in the middle of a late-term abortion, which, of course, played no part in her death,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “That’s ludicrous in light of the rest of the autopsy report findings.”
Here is what happened to Keisha Atkins, according to the autopsy report, information provided by her family, and documented information obtained through research by Operation Rescue.
Atkins reported to Southwestern Women’s Options, the nation’s largest late-term abortion facility, on January 31, 2017, to begin a four-day late-term abortion. She was at least six months pregnant, and may have been even farther along according to the tipster that contacted Tara Shaver.
Sometime during the ensuing days, something went wrong and Atkins developed a bacterial infection.
Possible sources for such infections during late-term abortions include:
Complications from the repeated insertion and removal of laminaria cervical dilators;
The fact that the baby in the womb is killed on Day 1 of the procedure and the woman must carry her dead fetus for days before completing the abortion;
Unsanitary conditions and/or practices by abortion facility staff.
On February 3, four days after her abortion process began, Adkins reported to Southwestern Women’s Options for the completion of her abortion. She was showing signs of a dangerous, systemic infection known as sepsis. She also displayed difficulty breathing as she was being prepared for labor. (Read more about how late-term abortions are done.)
Because of the seriousness of her condition, an ambulance was called at 12:04 p.m., but was later cancelled by the clinic, according to a 911 Computer Aided Dispatch transcript obtained by Operation Rescue. At some later point in the day, Atkins was transported by unknown means to UNM Hospital.
Once at the hospital, Atkins was tested for blood clots with negative results. The autopsy report made an effort to explain the rare false-negative test with one statistic that shows false negatives occur in as high as 10.7% of cases. (In other words, no one was at fault.)
Atkins continued to suffer shortness of breath and below base-line oxygen levels despite supplemental oxygen. She also experienced abdominal cramping pain, an elevated heart rate, and reduced ventricular function in her heart.
Additional tests of her placental tissue showed the presence of a bacterial infection. Post-mortem tests of her uterus also showed evidence of the infection.
Why is this significant to understanding the truth behind Atkins’ death?
DIC is a clotting disorder that begins with the rapid formation of small blood clots that block small blood vessels. As the clotting becomes more aggressive, it essentially strips the rest of the blood supply of the clotting factor. This typically results in hemorrhaging of the body cavity and various organs, including the brain.
In addition to bacterial infections, other causes of DIC can include retention of a dead fetus and surgery – both of which were documented in Atkins’ autopsy report.
Supposedly operating under a false-negative test for blood clots, UNM Hospital staff conducted a surgical Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) dismemberment abortion to remove the dead baby.
During the D&E procedure, Atkins suffered a fatal heart attack due to a blood clot in her lungs. Resuscitation efforts were so aggressive that her ribs were broken, yet they proved unsuccessful.
She also received “multiple blood product transfusions,” – a standard treatment for DIC – but to no avail.
Atkins was pronounced dead at 12:10 a.m. on February 4, 2017.
Atkins’ autopsy revealed “acute coagulopathy” as well as hemorrhaging in the brain (left adrenal gland), inside the abdominal cavity, and from the uterus. She also had a massive build-up of serous fluid around her lungs.
How do we know she hemorrhaged from the uterus when that is not specifically mentioned in the report? There was a curious notation in the initial description of Atkins’s body that stood out.
The UNM coroner’s determination that Atkins died from “Pulminary thromboembolism due to pregnancy” is suspect, at best.
These are a few of the symptoms described or strongly inferred in Atkins’ autopsy report thatthe coroner’s opinion does not account for
Uterine hemorrhaging;
Hemorrhaging in the brain;
Blood found in the abdominal cavity;
A large amount of serous fluid found around the lungs, (over 40 ounces);
Bruising of the extremities (another symptom of DIC).
The UNM cause of death also does not account for the multiple transfusions of blood products she was given at the UNM hospital.
These symptoms do not make sense in light of a random blood clot in the lungs. However, they do make sense in light of the clotting and hemorrhaging that exemplifies DIC.
It more likely that during Atkins’ four-day abortion process — during which she retained the body of her dead baby — a bacterial infection turned septic and initiated a fatal cascade of symptoms associated with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.
It is Operation Rescue’s opinion, based the facts found in the autopsy report, that the UNM cause of death determination is simply not the truth.
The abortion facilities involved in patient deaths first try to conceal the fact that a patient died. If that doesn’t work, the abortion businesses immediately attempt to deny any culpability for their patient’s death.
What is the easiest way to do that? Whitewash the truth by blaming the woman and/or her pregnancy.
The leftist mainstream media is usually a willing co-conspirator in the cover up, and the response to the Atkins death was no exception.
Once Operation Rescue and Abortion Free New Mexico announced Atkin’s death and released the autopsy report – a public record — the Albuquerque Journal jumped all over it, declaring in their headlines, “Autopsy rules out abortion as cause of death.”
The newspaper cited the opinion of the UNM Office of the Medical Investigator that it was Atkins’ pregnancy that killed her, not the four-day late-term abortion process that Operation Rescue believes was mismanaged her eighty-year old abortionist, Curtis Boyd, and fumbled by UNM hospital where she died.
UNM’s own autopsy report described in detail compelling evidence that it was complications from the abortion process that killed Keisha Atkins – not her pregnancy.
There can be no doubt that if Keisha Atkins had not endured the process of a four-day late-term abortion, she would be alive today.
So why the attempt to obfuscate the true cause of death?
UNM and Southwestern Women’s Options are partners in the trade in aborted baby remains. SWO is the sole supplier of aborted baby tissue and organs to UNM. Both are under criminal investigation by the Attorney General’s office based on a complaint filed by Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico and criminal referrals issued by the House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives.
This gives them UNM and SWO motive to nefariously ascribe the death of Keisha Atkins to her pregnancy in order to prevent another abortion-related scandal in the middle of a criminal investigation into their alleged participation in the illegal baby body parts trade.
This may also be why there was no notation of the weight of the dismembered remains of Atkins’ baby in the autopsy report. While the baby’s remains were present during the autopsy, revealing the weight might also reveal the truth about how far along Atkins’ pregnancy really was.
On a side note, some have expressed misplaced concern that the autopsy report was made public, and that its release may have compromised Atkins’ privacy, or more absurdly, her legal rights as a dead person. In reality, there is no legal issue with making a public document available to the public.
In fact, its release is actually a public service. The people have a right to know what is going on at SWO and UNM, especially because they are both recipients of public funds. They have a right to know that not everything is as it appears in the left-wing Albuquerque Journal.
When abortion is involved, concealing the truth that seeps through in these public documents only serves to aid the abortionists and their associates, who are desperately trying to diffuse any controversy around Atkins death.
Tara Shaver’s anonymous tipster apparently had a sense that something was very wrong in the way Keisha Atkins’ death occurred and how it was handled after the fact. And that person’s instincts were right.
If this information can prevent others from suffering Atkins’ fate, it is morally imperative to make sure the public – as well as the authorities investigating UNM and SWO — knows about it.
Operation Rescue urges the New Mexico Medical Board and the Attorney General’s office to aggressively investigate Keisha Atkins’ death, and bring those responsible for it and its cover-up to justice.
Keisha Maria Atkins, 23, died on February 4, 2017 — four days into a late-term abortion process at Southwestern Women’s Options abortion facility in Albuquerque, NM.
Report by Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue
Albuquerque, NM – A woman has died as the result of a late-term abortion process initiated at Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO), in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is the largest abortion facility in the U.S. that openly specializes in abortions throughout all nine months of pregnancy.
Abortion Free New Mexico obtained the autopsy report for Keisha Marie Atkins, 23, who died on February 4, 2017, after being transported from SWO to UNM Hospital. Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico has also been in communication with members of Atkins’ family.
Operation Rescue is assisting Abortion Free New Mexico with an investigation of this tragedy.
This abortion-related death is particularly troubling in light of a criminal investigation that is currently underway by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office into Southwestern Women’s Options and UNM. UNM has aggressively worked to increase second and third trimester abortions at SWO, which, in turn, is UNM’s largest provider of aborted baby tissue and organs. A U.S. House investigation found this arrangement violates state and federal law, despite stonewalling and obfuscation on the part of UNM and SWO.
Atkins reported to SWO on January 31, 2017, for a four day late-term abortion procedure that was to be done by eighty-year old abortion facility owner Curtis Boyd. It is believed that Atkins was six months pregnant or more.
Four days later, on February 3, 2017, Atkins returned to SWO for the completion of the abortion where she displayed labored breathing and signs of sepsis, a systemic, life-threatening infection.
At 12:04 p.m. on February 3, an ambulance was called to transport Atkins to the hospital, but was later cancelled, raising questions of how and when Atkins actually received emergency medical help.
Once at the UNM Medical Center, Atkins’ condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting UNM staff to perform an emergency D&E abortion procedure to remove her baby through dismemberment.
During the procedure, Atkins suffered cardiac arrest. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at 12:10 a.m. on February 4, 2017.
An autopsy was conducted at the UNM Health Sciences Center by the UNM Office of the Medical Investigator, which also serves as the Bernadillo County Coroner. The OMI determined that Atkins cause of death was “pulmonary thromboembolism due to pregnancy,” in other words, blood clots in the lungs.
However, a careful review of the autopsy findings indicates that this cause of death is a whitewash meant to blame Atkins’ pregnancy for her death instead of what appears to be a mismanaged late-term abortion procedure.
“UNM is a biased promoter of abortion that is attempting to shift blame onto Atkins’ pregnancy, instead of the abortion, where the blame rightfully belongs,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “Keisha Atkins and her family deserve the truth, not a cover-up. But with UNM and SWO, covering up their misdeeds has become standard operating procedure.”
There is evidence that Atkins suffered from sepsis, a bacterial infection caused by the four-day abortion process, which brought about symptoms consistent with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). Atkins suffered hemorrhaging in her brain, a buildup of fluid around her lungs, and other symptoms of DIC that the autopsy ignored.
Pro-life leaders believe there is a way to keep other women from suffering Atkins’ fate.
“We call on the New Mexico Attorney General to step up their criminal investigation, and we call on the State Medical Board to take a hard, honest look at Keisha Atkins’ death,” Newman said. “Curtis Boyd should be stopped from practicing, and the dangerous Southwestern Women’s Options should be shut down for good.”
“Coverups are as heinous as the crimes, and the crimes of the abortion cartel in New Mexico have been covered up for too many years. It is time for Hector Balderas to do his job or resign. It is time for the UNM Regents to do their jobs or resign. It is time for the New Mexico Medical Board to fully investigate Keisha’s death without bias,” said Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, The Protest Priest.
“We join the family of Keisha Atkins as they grieve her death from serious complications during a late term abortion at Southwestern Women’s Options. She was a 23-year old vibrant woman with her whole life ahead of her that was tragically cut short,” stated Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico. “For years we have worked to expose the barbaric nature of late term abortion in New Mexico and sought to bring accountability to the unregulated and unaccountable Abortion Cartel. Now more than ever, we need leadership in our city and state to take a bold stand and the necessary steps to prevent the needless deaths of women and their children through late term abortion.”
Albuquerque, NM- Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life have released a new video taken from an undercover phone call placed to Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion facility that clearly explains how second and third trimester abortions are performed in New Mexico.
A healthy woman posing as 25 weeks pregnant is given an overview by an abortion worker detailing how the 3-4 day labor and delivery procedure will take place. Late term abortion is a grueling process that begins every Tuesday, in Albuquerque, with the killing of a baby by a lethal injection of the medication digoxin and culminates at the end of the week when labor is induced and she delivers a stillborn child. Pre-born babies can survive outside the womb at this gestation, and sometimes earlier in the pregnancy.
In a recent rare interview, Curtis Boyd, owner of Southwestern Women’s Options claims that he provides abortions to women “who are dying if they do not get the abortion, women who have severe congenital defects.” However, if a woman was truly dying she would never subject herself to a 3-4 day abortion procedure. She would go to a hospital where if it were absolutely necessary to end the pregnancy, the pre-born child would be removed from her womb (alive) via a Caesarean section.
In fact, a previous undercover recording Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life released demonstrated that Southwestern Women’s Options screens their patients for health indicators to ensure that the woman is healthy enough for a late term procedure.It would be medical negligence to perform a lengthy abortion procedure on a woman whose life is truly at risk.
Curtis Boyd and his staff at Southwestern Women’s Options are actually the ones placing the lives of women at risk by performing dangerous late term abortions. In fact, a Southwestern Women’s Options consent form obtained by Abortion Free New Mexico’s Tara Shaver in 2012 states that abortions done after 18 weeks are more dangerous than carrying the baby to full term.
Another video released by Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life exposed that Southwestern Women’s Options isn’t in the habit of performing late term abortions to save the lives of women as Curtis Boyd claims, but is instead operating under an archaic eugenic mindset that empowers their abortionists to willingly abort pre-born babies who are found to have “congenital defects” otherwise known as birth defects. Killing babies who are handicapped is at the heart of Curtis Boyd’s late term abortion business.
“Southwestern Women’s Options uses an injection to stop the hearts of pre-born babies and a concoction of several medications to artificially induce labor in women and then sends them away to wait for their child to be born dead. This precarious cocktail of medications is and has resulted in serious life threatening complications. In May 2011 a patient at Southwestern Women’s Options was rushed to the emergency room after her uterus ruptured during the very same procedure documented in this call. She was 35 weeks pregnant,” Tara Shaver said. “Late-term abortions are not, as some say, ‘only done to save the lives of women,’ they are performed to make Curtis Boyd huge profits at the expense of precious human lives.
In this call a $8,500 fee is quoted for an abortion at 25 weeks of pregnancy. A Manta.com search of Curtis Boyd in Albuquerque shows that his abortion business has an “annual revenue of $1 to $2.5 million.”
“Americans continue, in large majorities, to reject late term abortion,” said Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. “We will continue to expose it by undercover phone calls, so that the existence of these procedures, and their utter barbarity, will be indisputable in the minds and hearts of more and more of our fellow citizens, and that they will take action to end abortion.”
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released eight undercover recordings:
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
This month, we released a new undercover recording with Priests for Life that exposed an unholy alliance between Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) late term abortion mill and local clergy. The New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is the organization that is responsible for facilitating contact between clergy and abortion patients…
“These are false prophets,” said Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life and President of the National Pro-life Religious Council, which commissioned a book about the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. “Any religion that justifies the killing of a baby is not a religion worthy of belief. Those who pretend it is are using the Lord’s name in vain.”
We were interviewed and our work over the past 7 years was featured in the article as the “mounting pressure” opposing him,
“Bud and Tara Shaver, a Christian couple who describe their strong-willed advocacy against abortion as a calling from God, represent the face of Boyd’s opposition, an ever-present foil…the Shavers came to New Mexico with the goal of shutting down Boyd’s newly expanded practice. The couple allied with Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, a priest and then-director of Project Defending Life, and have since pushed a variety of anti-abortion efforts and causes.”
The timing of the article was perfect as we had just released our undercover report highlighting the “Unholy Alliance” being utilized at SWO and it confirmed the religious component being used to market late-term abortions. It was also an opportunity to look into the psyche of Boyd who rarely does public interviews. The article mentioned that he is 80 years old and nearing the end of his career…
Bud got a great quote in the article that sum’s it all up perfectly,
“Shaver describes Boyd bringing his religious beliefs into his practice as ‘an emotional manipulation of spirituality.’”
20th Annual Survivors Camp San Francisco, California
(Ten years after attending our first Survivors camp we returned as trainers)
The article mentioned above that profiled Curtis Boyd included the pivotal role that Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust had on us early on in shaping our, “strong willed advocacy against abortion.” The article was published on July 19th the same day we were flying out to San Francisco, CA for the Survivors 20th annual pro-life training camp! Ten years after attending our first Survivors camp we returned as trainers.
It was a blessing to be in the company of seasoned pro-life veterans and to be a part of how God is moving in California and through the young people who are the future of the pro-life movement. We shared our own story of how we became pro-life missionaries and how to create an abortion free community.
A common theme that Survivors leaders, Jeff White and Cheryl Conrad imparted to the campers was that the work we are doing to close down abortion mills is absolutely vital to ending abortion once and for all. That was very encouraging to hear and affirms the work we are doing with your help to make New Mexico abortion free.
We spent 6 days in the trenches with passionate young people visiting UC Berkeley, the San Francisco commissioner meeting to oppose the opening of a mega Planned Parenthood and even helped to save a life outside of a Planned Parenthood abortion mill.
#SurvivorsCamp20 Slideshow
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We look forward to implementing some new ideas and strategies we picked up along the way. Thank you for standing with us for the lives of pre-born babies and their mothers in the late term abortion capital of the nation.
Buying or selling a home or commercial property?
You can support Pro-Life Witness at no cost to you by taking advantage of the Real Estate for Life program.
Call 1.877.543.3871 or email proliferealestate@yahoo.com for more information Visit www.realestateforlife.orgto find a Pro-life Realtor!
Host an Abortion Free New Mexico Strategy Seminar for your Church, Home Group or Organization.
“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
Albuquerque, NM- A new undercover recording released by Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life exposes an unholy alliance between Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion mill and local clergy. The New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is the organization that is responsible for facilitating contact between clergy and abortion patients.
In this latest recording, an undercover caller states that she is 29 weeks pregnant with a baby that has a fetal anomaly. She exhibits being a little apprehensive about the late term abortion due to her Catholic faith, but is reassured by clinic staff, “believe it or not“ there is a priest that will come to the clinic before, after and even during her procedure.
The New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is deceptively using religion to justify and promote abortion (the act of killing another human being) and recently they have published a list of over 70 local clergy that are being used to ease the consciences of women seeking late term abortions. This list includes well known liberal denominations like Unitarian Universalists and also pseudo-Catholic parishes that are not recognized by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
“These are false prophets,” said Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life and President of the National Pro-life Religious Council, which commissioned a book about the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. “Any religion that justifies the killing of a baby is not a religion worthy of belief. Those who pretend it is are using the Lord’s name in vain.”
Curtis Boyd, the owner of Southwestern Women’s Options, has been vocal in the past about his religious background as an ordained Baptist minister and has confessed to praying over the children he readily admits that he knows he’s killing, “I’ll ask that the spirit of this pregnancy be returned to God with love, with understanding.”
Early on when Boyd betrayed true medicine and started providing abortions he knew then that having clergy behind him was important. He still sees the value in this today and is greatly benefiting from his collaboration with the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Boyd has conspired with the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice to, “meet whatever religious criteria” these women need to keep them in the clinic and ensure that they follow through with lucrative late term abortions.The abortion clinic staff even admits that, “We don’t know how we’d do [late term abortions] without them.” At 29 weeks of pregnancy SWO charges $11,500 and an additional $1,000 each week after that.
“It seems to be the trend now in the pro-abortion community to try and harness a religious undertone to justify abortion and use misguided clergy to reassure women in their decision to kill their children,” said Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico. “It used to be that signs reading, ‘Keep your rosaries off my ovaries’ were a common theme to separate religion and abortion, but now late term abortionists are dependent upon groups like the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice to accommodate abortion patients and give them a false sense of hope that they are making the right decision, when they in fact are not. Clergy who participate in abortion are complicit in the deaths of these children. These are not true of leaders of the faith, but they have denied the truth and are leading others astray.”
No Gestational Limits
Many in this country do not want to believe that abortions are done up to the day of birth, however, in her own words, abortion clinic worker Susan Duda tells the undercover caller that “There are no gestational limits for aborting babies with fetal anomalies,” which means that they will provide an abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.
Duda even sympathisizes with the caller who says she doesn’t want to think about having to deal with raising a disabled child by stating, “That’s a lifetime of commitment.”
Having children is a lifetime commitment but it’s better than living with a lifetime of regret or worse. Operation Rescue reported that a Kansas woman committed suicide last month on the very same day that she had her abortion.
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released eight undercover recordings:
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
This month we continued to press forward with our focus of exposing the Abortion Landscape in New Mexico by releasing Parts 3 and 4 of our 6 part series, #NewMexicoTrue Campaign. Our previous reports revealed that New Mexico is the land of unrestricted abortion lacking any oversight or accountability. Fr. Stephen Imbarrato was quoted in a Washington Times article covering our reports,
“There are no restrictions, no oversight, nothing going on with regard to abortion in New Mexico other than that the Democratic Party totally supports it, and the Republican Party, for the most part, is condoning it,” Father Imbarrato said. “So we have been doing everything necessary to try to bring this to the national spotlight.”
Our prayer is that as we continue peeling away the layers of the New Mexico abortion cartel that our leaders will take heed of the information and act boldly on behalf of the babies.
We continue to have opportunities to share with Bible study groups to educate and spread the truth about abortion in New Mexico. The Lord is moving here and we are humbled to be a part of all that He is doing.
Thank you for standing with us, your prayers, support and encouragement are invaluable to us. May God receive all of the glory!
#NewMexicoTrue Campaign
This month in our #NewMexicoTrue Campaign reports, we looked at the Santa Theresa, New Mexico abortion clinic, Hill Top Reproductive Clinic.
In part 3 we exposed Franz Theard a Texas abortionist who has set up his abortion mill 11 miles across the Texas border in Santa Teresa, NM. He is using his mill to evade Texas laws regarding waiting periods and minor access to abortion.
Theard is another example of abortion providers in New Mexico who ignore the best interests of minors who seek out an abortion. Minors are vulnerable and often the victims of sexual abuse, Franz Theard is enabling sexual predators when he purposefully takes advantage of New Mexico’s lack of common sense laws and circumvents the reasonable limitations of Texas.
We also cited violations that Theard was found to have at his abortion mill that included doing pregnancy tests and RH blood tests without proper licensure and failing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these tests. Theard is also a practicing OB/GYN in the state of Texas, where he delivers babies on the days he’s not aborting them.
(In response to our report Hilltop Women’s Reproductive Clinic in Santa Teresa has updated their website and removed language advertising their intention to evade Texas laws.)
Our work with Priests for Life continued this month to bring national awareness to late term abortion. In part 4 we looked deeper at Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO), the nations largest late term abortion facility, and exposed just how arbitrary the standard is for determining which baby lives or dies.
This call combines two earlier calls and adds new details, including that mothers so far advanced in their pregnancies should not be aborted in stand-alone clinics like SWO – although they are – and that the availability of third-trimester abortions depends on the “comfort” level of the abortionist.
“The bottom line is that SWO is willing to terminate a disabled child in spite of their own admission that late- term abortions shouldn’t be done in an outpatient clinic because they pose significant risks to mothers,” said Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico.“The ‘comfort’ zone of the abortionists at Southwestern Women’s Options, which appears to be based on an arbitrary eugenic standard, is ultimately allowing them to decide which babies should live or die.
In this undercover recording we exposed how the late term abortion facility Southwestern Women’s Options arbitrarily differentiates between a baby and biohazard waste when discussing the disposal of the remains of the babies terminated at their facility.
Southwestern Women’s Options tells a woman posing as 33 weeks pregnant, that they have a working relationship with Riverside Funeral Home, which will come to the abortion facility and collect the baby remains for cremation after the abortion. Staffers at both the funeral home and the abortion facility refer to the dead unborn children as “babies.”
However, the option to cremate the remains only applies to disabled babies. When another woman, 25 weeks pregnant, inquires about what happens to her healthy baby after her abortion, she is told that the remains are considered biohazard waste and that the whole baby is incinerated.
“To think that Southwestern Women’s Options is pitching cremation to women seeking late-term abortions in order to somehow buffer killing disabled babies while the other babies are incinerated as biohazard waste is schizophrenic,” said Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico. “Cremation, by definition, refers to what is done to a dead person’s body. It’s imperative that we, our leaders and every sane person speak out and act on behalf of these human babies who are being brutally killed each day in New Mexico.”
“Anyone with a conscience will be horrified by these recordings,” added Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. “They speak of fingerprints, toe-prints, baby clothes, photos, and funeral homes. These are things associated with human beings, and children who — once they’re born — we all agree should be protected. What is revealed here is an ongoing prejudice, discrimination, and oppression towards the children in the womb, and it must end.”
Abortion Free New Mexico Strategy session with Albuquerque Mayoral candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes. As mayor, Michelle has committed to work to end late term abortion in Albuquerque!
Please pray for Michelle Garcia Holmes and her campaign.
Our #NewMexicoTrue Campaign is already having an impact! The radical leftist organization Media Matters published a hit piece on our efforts.
Here is an excerpt,
“In a June 20 article, The Washington Times gave an uncritical platform to a newly re-formed New Mexico anti-abortion group, Abortion Free New Mexico (AFNM). This group is the latest venture of longtime anti-choice extremists Bud and Tara Shaver.”
Host an Abortion Free New Mexico Strategy Seminar for your Church, Home Group or Organization.
“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
Albuquerque, NM- Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life have compiled another video in their ongoing series to expose late term abortion in America. This latest undercover recording exposes how the late term abortion facility Southwestern Women’s Options arbitrarily differentiates between a baby and biohazard waste when discussing the disposal of the remains of the babies terminated at their facility.
New Mexico is the land of unrestricted abortion, there are no limitations on how late abortions can be performed. In addition, there is no fixed standard of determining which babies live or die, there are no abortion clinic safety standards and now Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion facility has been found making a bizarre distinction between babies who are healthy and those with a fetal anomaly. This latest recording begs the question as to what the result of an abortion is, a dead baby or biohazard waste? …and who decides?
Southwestern Women’s Options tells a woman posing as 33 weeks pregnant, that they have a working relationship with Riverside Funeral Home, which will come to the abortion facility and collect the baby remains for cremation after the abortion. Staffers at both the funeral home and the abortion facility refer to the dead unborn children as “babies.”
However, the option to cremate the remains only applies to disabled babies. When another woman, 25 weeks pregnant, inquires about what happens to her healthy baby after her abortion, she is told that the remains are considered biohazard waste and that the whole baby is incinerated.
Cremation: the disposal of a dead person’s body by burning it to ashes.
Incineration: the destruction of something, especially waste material, by burning.
“To think that Southwestern Women’s Options is pitching cremation to women seeking late-term abortions in order to somehow buffer killing disabled babies while the other babies are incinerated as biohazard waste is schizophrenic,” said Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico. “Cremation, by definition, refers to what is done to a dead person’s body. It’s imperative that we, our leaders and every sane person speak out and act on behalf of these human babies who are being brutally killed each day in New Mexico.”
According to a quote attributed to Nazi propagandists during a regime that killed over 12 million people, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”
For more than 44 years in America, abortion profiteers and their supporters in politics and the media have insisted that abortion does not kill babies. This has resulted in over 60 million lives being terminated in American abortion businesses.
But as the abortionists themselves at Southwestern Women’s Options admit, they are killing babies even in the latest stages of pregnancy.
“Anyone with a conscience will be horrified by these recordings,” added Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. “They speak of fingerprints, toe-prints, baby clothes, photos, and funeral homes. These are things associated with human beings, and children who — once they’re born — we all agree should be protected. What is revealed here is an ongoing prejudice, discrimination, and oppression towards the children in the womb, and it must end.”
Listen to notorious late term abortionist and owner of Southwestern Women’s Options, Curtis Boyd’s, candid admission with reporters:
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released eight undercover recordings:
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Albuquerque, NM- In part 4 of a 6 part series documenting the New Mexico Abortion Cartel, Abortion Free New Mexico (AFNM) takes a look at Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO), the nations largest late term abortion facility.
Southwestern Women’s Options advertises on it’s website, “Elective Abortions through 28 weeks… Later Abortion for Maternal and Fetal Indications.”
(Screenshot from SWO website)
Previous reports by AFNM have revealed that SWO is drawing women from all across the world for barbaric full term abortions, thus making Albuquerque known nationally as the Late Term Abortion Capital.
This report pulls back the curtain on the abortion cartel in New Mexico that is self regulating with arbitrary standards because of the absence of any common sense legislation which would provide oversight and accountability that is so desperately needed.
The latest undercover recording released by Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life reveals just how arbitrary the standard is for determining which baby lives or dies at Southwestern Women’s Options.
Listen to the undercover recording here.
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life issued the following statement,
“Once again, this undercover call reveals that abortions are taking place legally in our country even in the third trimester of pregnancy. We will continue to expose this evil in the weeks and months to come. We call on all Americans, including those who identify themselves as “prochoice,” to communicate to their legislators their opposition to these late term procedures, so that we can begin restoring protection to these children.”
In the first call to Southwestern, a caller posed as a woman who was pregnant with a baby who had been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Without hesitation she was given an abortion appointment, despite being 33 weeks pregnant.
In a second call, an undercover caller posed as a healthy woman pregnant with a 30-week healthy pre-born baby whom she has decided to abort because her husband lost his job.
The third calling, a minor posing as the victim of incest by an older family member is seeking a late-term abortion at 26 weeks of pregnancy. Instead of urging the sexual assault victim to contact the authorities – as required by law — the abortion clinic staff gives the young girl a phone number to the New Mexico Medicaid office so that she can obtain the $7,500 procedure for free.
The fourth call combines two earlier calls and adds new details, including that mothers so far advanced in their pregnancies should not be aborted in stand-alone clinics like Southwestern – although they are – and that the availability of third-trimester abortions depends on the “comfort” level of the abortionist.
“The bottom line is that SWO is willing to terminate a disabled child in spite of their own admission that late- term abortions shouldn’t be done in an outpatient clinic because they pose significant risks to mothers,” said Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico.
“The ‘comfort’ zone of the abortionists at Southwestern Women’s Options, which appear to be based on an arbitrary eugenic standard, have ultimately led them to decide which babies should live or die. Barbaric late- term abortions are rejected by the majority of the American people because viable babies are being killed, and in our latest undercover recording, the abortion workers themselves admit that late-term abortions shouldn’t be performed because they are too dangerous for the women seeking them. New Mexico abortion facilities need oversight and accountability that comes from common-sense regulations,” Mrs. Shaver said.
Since 2010, Tara Shaver of AFNM with the help of Operation Rescue has documented at least 17 abortion related injuries inflicted upon women at Southwestern Women’s Options. At least one of these horrific injuries was the result of a late term abortion performed by abortionist Shelley Sella at 35 weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant woman from New York came to Albuquerque to have her baby killed because of a diagnosed fetal anomaly. Sella ignored the risks and committed four acts of gross negligence during the abortion that caused a ruptured uterus and required medical transport to a nearby hospital.
“The ‘comfort’ zone of the abortionists at Southwestern Women’s Options, that appear to be based on an arbitrary eugenic standard, have ultimately led them to decide which babies should live or die. Barbaric late term abortions are rejected by the majority of the American people because viable babies are being killed, and in our latest undercover recording, the abortion workers themselves admit that late term abortions shouldn’t be performed because they are too dangerous for the women seeking them. New Mexico abortion facilities need oversight and accountability that comes from common sense regulations,” said Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico.
Facts Uncovered about Southwestern Women’s Options since 2010
Southwestern Women’s Option is drawing women from all across the country and the world for late-term abortions making Albuquerque, New Mexico known as the Late Term Abortion Capital.
Abortions have been performed at Southwestern Women’s Options up to 35 weeks gestation. Beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy terminations are arbitrarily decided on a “case by case basis.”
New Mexico law [NM Stat § 30-5-1] criminalizes the practice of late term abortions that are performed outside of hospitals. However, this law is not being enforced, leaving women to suffer at the hands of unregulated abortionists at Southwestern Women’s Options.
Every Tuesday late term abortions are started at Southwestern Women’s Options and take 3-4 days to complete.
Abortionist Curtis Boyd owns and runs Southwestern Women’s Options located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Current abortionists at Southwestern Women’s Options are Shelley Sella, who resides in California and Carmen Landau, who lives in Albuquerque.
Shelley Sella has a Notice of Contemplated Action on her New Mexico medical license for the botched 35 week abortion she performed in 2011. Tara Shaver and Operation Rescue filed the complaint which prompted the New Mexico Medical Board investigation.
Southwestern Women’s Options is the sole provider of fetal remains to the University of New Mexico.
Southwestern Women’s Options is currently under investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General prompted by a complaint filed in July 2015 by Tara Shaver on the basis of potential violations of two state statutes regarding the illegal use of aborted fetal remains for medical research at the University of New Mexico.
UPDATED: Reports released by Abortion Free New Mexico in a 6 Part Series exposing the New Mexico Abortion Cartel:
UPDATED: Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released 19 undercover recordings:
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Santa Teresa, NM- In an undercover call placed on May 17, 2017 to Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic in El Paso, TX the caller posing as a 15 year old minor inquires about obtaining an abortion without her parents involvement.
Without hesitation the abortion facility worker refers the young girl to their “other clinic location in Santa Teresa.” Located according to Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic’s website, “Only 11 minutes from Downtown El Paso.” It’s as if this is one of the main reasons the Santa Teresa abortion facility located a few miles across the border in New Mexico exists.
An abortion appointment is secured for the following Saturday and all the minor is required to bring is $430.00 and her identification card.
New Mexico has become the place where abortionist Franz Theard, who owns two abortion facilities, one in El Paso, TX and the other in Santa Teresa, NM is circumventing reasonable Texas laws that were enacted to protect minors from sexual abuse.
(Abortionist Franz Theard)
At Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic in Santa Teresa abortions are performed up to 10 weeks of pregnancy by administering RU486 to starve pre-born babies of the essential nutrient progesterone. These procedures are performed weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays according to clinic staff.
“Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic is yet another example of abortion providers in New Mexico who ignore the best interests of minors who seek out an abortion. Minors are vulnerable and often the victims of sexual abuse, Franz Theard is enabling sexual predators when he purposefully takes advantage of New Mexico’s lack of common sense laws and circumvents the reasonable limitations of Texas,” said Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico.
History of Violations in New Mexico and Texas
On July, 11 2013, Julie Aragon, the New Mexico Health Facility Compliance Officer with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program emailed Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic in Santa Teresa because she noticed that their website stated that they offered lab services but the required CLIA certificate was not on file.
This email was not answered by Theard or his staff. On September 10, 2014, Julie Aragon visited the Santa Teresa location unannounced to investigate unauthorized testing. The official CLIA report noted the following violations and discrepancies:
Urine pregnancy tests and RH blood tests were being performed without required CLIA certification.
An open urine pregnancy test cassette was on the break room counter next to a small refrigerator. Blood reagents were also found in the refrigerator.
Failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions when checking Rh blood status in patients.
Failure to perform quality control measures daily.
Failure to maintain a log of patients tested onsite.
Failure to maintain copies of training, highest level of education, or competency assessments for testing personnel.
Failure to monitor refrigerator temperature where testing agents were kept.
Failure to maintain documentation of the lot numbers and expiration dates of pregnancy tests and blood reagents.
The CLIA program only ensures and monitors laboratory testing and has no jurisdiction over the surgical portion of abortion facilities. However, when a laboratory isn’t being run properly it begs the question, what other discrepancies the facility may have?
Since this location was not properly CLIA certified, all testing was halted until the certification was obtained.
In a 2015 a CLIA survey of Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic in El Paso, Texas, documentation on AbortionDocs.org showed multiple violations including, a violation of the judicial bypass requirement for minors having an abortion as well as violating the requirement to verbally explain sonogram images to minors before they have an abortion.
Other violations included disregarding the 2 hour waiting period, failure to provide patients with local hospital information and failure to ensure that their equipment was properly sterilized.
Taking Life or Giving Life?
Franz Theard does abortions on certain days of the week and then delivers babies at local Texas hospitals on other days. He seems to be caught in between two worlds, and tries to keep them separate. Abortion Free New Mexico found a website for Theard’s OB/GYN practice that does not mention abortion at all. There is also an unofficial Facebook page where women often check in for prenatal appointments and ultrasounds.
On the other hand Hilltop Women’s Reproductive Clinic’s website boasts abortion services with the ability to bypass the Texas 24 hour waiting period.
“This report by Abortion Free New Mexico is only a glimpse inside of Franz Theard’s shoddy abortion operation that has creeped into New Mexico. Abortionist Franz Theard has a sordid history of abortion violations and our latest undercover recording reveals that Theard’s El Paso clinic is instructing minors how to obtain abortions in New Mexico in violation of Texas law. Franz Theard is living a double life in his practice by working in Texas hospitals delivering babies while simultaneously killing babies in both Texas and New Mexico. Theard has betrayed true medicine and is currently capitalizing on New Mexico’s lack of the most basic laws regulating abortion,” stated Tara Shaver.
Read Parts 1 and 2 of Abortion Free New Mexico’s series exposing the New Mexico abortion cartel:
We are excited to be working together with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion. This month we released two undercover recordings which reveal that late term abortions are easy to obtain in New Mexico… for any reason and that the abortion cartel is more concerned about the profits they can make off of lucrative late term abortions than minors being exploited by sexual predators.
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, stated, “This latest undercover call continues to rip the veil off the abortion industry and show our nation what even most ‘prochoice’ people oppose: late term abortion of healthy babies, paid for by taxpayers, and conducted by an industry which provides cover for sexual predators. What we need to know to end abortion is found in the abortion industry itself. We just need to continue exposing it, and we will.”
New Mexico is the land of unrestricted abortion but with your help, prayers and support we are working toward an Abortion Free New Mexico. Thank you for standing with us for the babies.
Abortion Free New Mexico Going Through the Manual
This month we held two meetings to discuss the first half of the Abortion Free book that is the manual we are using to guide us in our efforts to make New Mexico abortion free.
We are going to need as many people involved as possible to accomplish all that we have planned to bring accountability and exposure to the New Mexico abortion cartel.
These meetings serve as a place of concentrated prayer, brainstorming and community as we begin to implement this strategy. If you would like to be involved in these meetings and need a book please contact us at our address below.
We are looking for opportunities to introduce this manual and vision to others. Please let us know if you’d like us to come to your church, Bible study or home group to share and let others know how they can be a part of making your community abortion free.
Bud also had the opportunity to speak at the annual CSA National Day of Prayer week. He shared one of our latest undercover videos and the vision of Abortion Free New Mexico with those in attendance.
Abortion Landscape Shift in New Mexico since 2010
Abortion Free New Mexico introduces a 6 Part Series exposing the NM Abortion Cartel…
Part 1: In 2010 when we were invited to New Mexico as pro-life missionaries by Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, the abortion landscape was a lot different than what it is today. The three of us in conjunction with Operation Rescue quickly coined the title “Late Term Abortion Capital” to describe Albuquerque and designated New Mexico as the “Abortion Capital of the Southwest.”
An article in the Albuquerque Journal quoted radical pro-abortion activists who, “[Ranked] New Mexico No. 1 in the nation for providing equal access to sexual and reproductive health services.” We, however, were determined to push back against the New Mexico abortion cartel that was eager to expand it’s killing business even deeper into New Mexico.
In no time at all we began to put the pieces together and uncovered the corruption that has permeated the state and kept abortion unrestricted for so long. We outed abortionists and made sure everyone knew who is willing to kill pre-born children for a profit. We began to expose horrific abortion injuries at Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion center and at the University of New Mexico.
Since 2010 three abortion centers have closed!
Now only five abortion centers remain in the state and Albuquerque alone is home to the state’s three last remaining surgical abortion killing centers.
“Since the Shavers have been working to end abortion in New Mexico, they have made great strides in exposing rampant abortion abuses, helping to close abortion businesses, and saving lives. To achieve the goal of an abortion-free state, it takes the wisdom that comes from experience and gritty determination. The Shavers are certainly up to the task of building an Abortion Free New Mexico.” Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue
Part 2: Planned Parenthood of New Mexico is on Life Support
In addition to the revelation that Planned Parenthood (PP) NM will be closing 3 referral clinics at the end of September 2017, we uncovered that the only PP in the state providing surgical abortions is currently without an abortionist! This is possibly due to our complaint filed against a PP nurse practitioner who was performing abortions in violation of New Mexico law…
Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico, said that she feels the national funding conversation could be contributing to the closures.“It all kind of makes sense to us when we look at the climate change … under President Trump,” she said. “This is a step in the right direction for building a culture of life in New Mexico.”
–Host an Abortion Free New Mexico Strategy Seminar for your Church, Home Group or Organization.
“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
Albuquerque, NM- In a new undercover video by Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life, the caller posing as a minor and victim of incest by an older family member is seeking a late-term abortion at 26 weeks of pregnancy. Instead of urging the minor to contact the authorities, the abortion clinic staff gives the young girl a phone number to the New Mexico Medicaid office so that she can obtain the $7,500 procedure for free.
New Mexico Statute Section 30-10-3 provides that “Incest consists of knowingly intermarrying or having sexual intercourse with persons within the following degrees of consanguinity: parents and children including grandparents and grandchildren of every degree, brothers and sisters of the half as well as the whole blood, uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews. Whoever commits incest is guilty of a third-degree felony.
The New Mexico basic sentencing guidelines in Section 31-18-15 provides “for a thirddegreefelony for a sexual offense against a child, six years imprisonment.”
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, stated, “This latest undercover call continues to rip the veil off the abortion industry and show our nation what even most ‘prochoice’ people oppose: late term abortion of healthy babies, paid for by taxpayers, and conducted by an industry which provides cover for sexual predators. What we need to know to end abortion is found in the abortion industry itself. We just need to continue exposing it, and we will.”
In our previous undercover video Abortion Free New Mexico and Priests for Life exposed that New Mexico is the land of unrestricted abortion where any woman (or even a young girl) can obtain a late term abortion into the third trimester of pregnancy for any reason. Minors who seek abortions are often being sexually abused by an older male, as is in the case of this latest undercover video, even a family member can be the perpetrator. Providing these young girls with abortions does not stop the abuse they face, it merely covers it up and allows it to continue.
Currently New Mexico does not require parental involvement when their minor child seeks an abortion. There are, however, laws to protect minors that require mandatory reporting to authorities if there is even the suspicion of sexual abuse.
Angelo Artuso, Senior Legal Counsel for Abortion Free New Mexico issued the following statement, “Southwestern Women’s Options (and any other abortion provider) has a duty to report possible incest regarding a 16-year old minor seeking an abortion. Under the mandatory reporting law (Section 32A-4-3A), physicians and nurses have a duty to report suspected child abuse. The law (Section 32A-4-2 I) provides that child abuse includes criminal sexual penetration, incest, OR criminal sexual contact. Because incest is included as a separate category of sexual abuse, the “age of consent” and the “Romeo and Juliet” exceptions to “statutory rape” do NOT apply. Failure to report suspected incest of a minor is a misdemeanor (Section 32A-4-3F) punishable by up to 364 days in the county jail or up to a $1,000 fine, or both.”
Mandatory reporting is set forth in Section 32A-4-3 A which provides:
Every person, including a licensed physician; a resident or intern examining, attending or treating a child; a law enforcement officer; a judge presiding during a proceeding; a registered nurse; a visiting nurse; a schoolteacher; a school official; a social worker acting in an official capacity; or a member of the clergy who has information that is not privileged as a matter of law, who knows or has a reasonable suspicion that a child is an abused or neglected child shall report the matter immediately to:
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released eight undercover recordings:
As part of this effort, the organizations are conducting a survey looking for people who identify themselves as “prochoice” but who nevertheless support the protection of children in the womb in the later stages of pregnancy.
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Albuquerque, NM- In Part 1 of Abortion Free New Mexico’s series documenting the Abortion Landscape Shift in New Mexico, the report highlighted how the abortion cartel is in full retreat and that their plans of expansion have been stifled. In part 2 of this series AFNM will reveal how Planned Parenthood is facing a crisis of their own in New Mexico.
Planned Parenthood NM Closing Three Referral Clinics
“Three out of New Mexico’s six clinic locations will close in September, according to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Chief Experience Officer Adrienne Mansanares. ‘We are making some difficult decisions about the best way to stay in New Mexico into the future,’ Mansanares said.The clinics in Farmington, Rio Rancho, and Nob Hill in Albuquerque will close.”
These three Planned Parenthood locations are referral centers that provide contraceptives, the morning after pill and abortion referrals.
UPDATED: Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico, said Thursday that she feels the national funding conversation could be contributing to the closures.
“It all kind of makes sense to us when we look at the climate change … under President Trump,” she said. “This is a step in the right direction for building a culture of life in New Mexico.”Read the full report from the Albuquerque Journal: Planned Parenthood to close 3 clinics in northern NM
Planned Parenthood of New Mexico Has No Legitimate Abortionist on Staff
In an undercover call placed to the last remaining Planned Parenthood in New Mexico providing surgical abortions which is located in Albuquerque, the caller was informed that typically this location does provide abortions up to 18 weeks but that they are currently not offering surgical abortions since they are struggling to keep an abortionist on staff.
Their lack of an abortion provider could be the result of a New Mexico Nursing Board complaint filed in 2016 by Abortion Free New Mexico’s Tara Shaver based on state medicaid data showing that Nurse Practitioner Vivianne Clark was paid by New Mexico medicaid for performing abortions between 17-24 weeks, which is illegal for a non-physician to do in New Mexico. The second part of the undercover video reveals that Clark continues to provide medical RU486 abortions in Santa Fe despite being under investigation.
AFNM has long suspected that Santa Fe Planned Parenthood Nurse Practitioner, Vivianne Clark, is the primary abortionist in Albuquerque. While we wait for the result from the New Mexico Nursing Board investigation, we are hopeful that in the meantime this complaint has halted Clark’s potential illegal activity.
Another key factor that is possibly hampering Planned Parenthood’s ability to keep an abortionist on staff is directly linked to the Center for Medical Progress’s (CMP) videos that exposed the true nature of Planned Parenthood’s abortion business. Legitimate physicians simply aren’t willing to work for Planned Parenthood.
An additional result of the CMP videos was local and national protests calling for the defunding of the abortion giant. This has ultimately been the catalyst for the momentum we are now witnessing and has culminated with President Donald J. Trump recently signing an executive order giving states the ability to defund Planned Parenthood locally.
According to Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue, “Planned Parenthood is in a panic to reorganize as their federal funding dries up. They must jettison their centers that aren’t making money. For Planned Parenthood, abortion, and the money it produces, is their number-one priority.”
While much of what we see regarding the shift in New Mexico’s abortion landscape is good news, we must remain vigilant. Fr. Stephen Imbarrato reflects upon a national trend that he has witnessed in his national ministry with Priests for Life, “It is important to understand that Planned Parenthood’s operational strategy all over the country has been to consolidate its operations and build state or regional megacenters. We will be researching and monitoring what next step Planned Parenthood is planning here in New Mexico.”
Albuquerque, NM- In 2010 when we were invited to New Mexico as pro-life missionaries by Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, the abortion landscape was a lot different than what it is today. The three of us in conjunction with Operation Rescue quickly coined the title “Late Term Abortion Capital” to describe Albuquerque and designated New Mexico as the “Abortion Capital of the Southwest.” An article in the Albuquerque Journal quoted radical pro-abortion activists who, “[Ranked] New Mexico No. 1 in the nation for providing equal access to sexual and reproductive health services.” We, however, were determined to push back against the New Mexico abortion cartel that was eager to expand it’s killing business even deeper into New Mexico.
At that time Albuquerque was home to four surgical abortion killing centers. Santa Fe was home to two abortion facilities one of which performed surgical abortions and Southern New Mexico was home to Santa Teresa based abortionist Franz Theard.
Due to New Mexico’s lack of common sense abortion restrictions, notorious late term abortionist Curtis Boyd, who owns Southwestern Women’s Options, had effectively expanded his child killing empire into New Mexico and abortionist Franz Theard had expanded his abortion business across the border into New Mexico to evade Texas abortion laws. The University of New Mexico, which we have since identified as, “The Heart of the New Mexico Abortion Cartel” was aggressively expanding its radical abortion agenda and Whole Woman’s Health opened and set up shop in Las Cruces, NM in 2014.
In no time at all we began to put the pieces together and uncovered the corruption that has permeated the state and kept abortion unrestricted for so long. We outed abortionists and made sure everyone knew who is willing to kill pre-born children for a profit. We began to expose horrific abortion injuries at Southwestern Women’s Options late term abortion center and at the University of New Mexico. As a result we saw the New Mexico Medical board hold a disciplinary hearing against late term abortionist Shelley Sella for a botched 35 week abortion. The layers of the cartel began to peel away so that we could see things more clearly.
Now only five abortion centers remain in the state and Albuquerque alone is home to the state’s three last remaining surgical abortion killing centers.
UNM Center for Reproductive Health (Albuquerque, NM)- Offering surgical abortions through 24 weeks gestation.
Southwestern Women’s Options(Albuquerque, NM)- Offering third trimester surgical abortions through all 9 months of pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood (Santa Fe, NM)- Only offering RU-486 medical abortions.
Hill Top Women’s Reproductive Clinic (Santa Theresa, NM)- Only offering RU-486 medical abortions.
The New Mexico abortion cartel is facing immense pressure. Southwestern Women’s Options and The University of New Mexico are currently under investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General. They have, in the past year, been under scrutiny by the congressional Select Panel on Infant Lives. In addition, we have an active complaint with the New Mexico Nursing board regarding what we believe to be illegal abortions performed by a Planned Parenthood abortionist.
Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico issued the following statement,
“Over the past seven years, new pro-life organizations have begun and there has been a dramatic reversal and public policy shift in New Mexico. Great strides have been made and now we see the New Mexico abortion cartel being stifled instead of continuing their expansion throughout New Mexico. The abortion industry is in full retreat!”
During the coming weeks Abortion Free New Mexico will be releasing in-depth reports on the New Mexico abortion cartel.
“Since the Shavers have been working to end abortion in New Mexico, they have made great strides in exposing rampant abortion abuses, helping to close abortion businesses, and saving lives. To achieve the goal of an abortion-free state, it takes the wisdom that comes from experience and gritty determination. The Shavers are certainly up to the task of building an Abortion Free New Mexico.” Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue
In addition to Operation Rescue, Abortion Free New Mexico is also working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion:
Albuquerque, NM- New Mexico is one of the poorest states in the country and is consistently ranked lowest in education, child well being while also having one of the highest crime rates in the nation. The state is currently facing a budget crisis and is struggling to keep the government running.
According to a recent article by the Associated Press,
“Cash reserves are dwindling, which will soon leave state finance officials unable to cut checks. The governor warned that will affect the state’s ability to make payroll and pay contracts.”
However, if you need a late term abortion, New Mexico is the go to place. New Mexico may not be able to pay its state workers, but New Mexico Medicaid will pay over $15,000 to local abortionists to kill a child in the womb.
New Mexico is the land of unrestricted abortion. There are no limitations on when abortions may be performed and late term abortionists at Southwestern Women’s Options have capitalized on the state’s lack of protection for human life.
In a recorded phone call to Southwestern Women’s Options on May 2, 2017, Abortion Free New Mexico confirmed that a late term abortion at 30 weeks of pregnancy was simple to obtain on the basis of a lost job and the prospect of another child adding more stress to the family unit. The life of the mother was not in danger and the baby was perfectly healthy.
Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico issued the following statement:
“The myth that late term abortions only occur when a woman’s life is at risk or when the baby has been diagnosed with an anomaly could not be further from the truth. Our latest video dispels this myth with proof that in New Mexico late term abortions are easy to come by.
New Mexicans deserve to hear the truth about the evil that is occurring in our state and our leaders must work to change the fact that New Mexico is the late-term abortion capital of the country.”
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion.
Father Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life noted that the majority of Americans do not support late-term abortion and do not want taxpayer money funding used to kill fully developed, well past viability children.
“Every abortion is an outrage, and we need to protect every baby. To educate our fellow citizens, let’s start with the most obvious and outrageous part of the story: taxpayer-funded third-trimester abortions of healthy babies carried by healthy mothers.”
Watch the video, inform yourself and others: #NewMexicoTrue: Land of Unrestricted Abortion
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released eight undercover recordings:
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
When Fr. Stephen Imbarrato invited us to come to New Mexico in 2010, our goal was to lay a foundation that would ultimately lead to New Mexico becoming abortion free. Fr. Imbarrato asked us to come and expose those who are perpetuating pre-born child killing in this state. Over the past 7 years, we have done just that! In addition, we have accomplished many other things that have laid a foundation for our latest initiative and our ultimate goal, Abortion Free New Mexico!
In 2014, four years into our ministry here, the Abortion Free manual was published. It is written by Troy Newman and Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue. Our work is even mentioned in it. Here we are with Cheryl at a church in Albuquerque this month introducing other Christians to a concept that is attainable with the proper tools and a never give up mindset!
Zechariah 4:6 is the perfect declaration for what the Lord wants to accomplish here: An Abortion Free New Mexico.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
We have the tools and the Spirit of the living God that goes before us in this spiritual battle. Thank you for standing with us, for your prayers and for believing with us that evil does not have the final say here but the Lord does.
National Leaders Join us For Launch of Abortion Free New Mexico
On April 18th, we were blessed to have some of our closest friends and mentors join us to share about our pro-life journey and how God has blessed many of our efforts over the years.
We began our pro-life journey with a pro-life youth organization, Survivors. If it had not been for the training we received under the leadership of Jeff White and Cheryl Conrad we probably would not still be doing pro-life work. Being immersed into the fire from the beginning has instilled in us a passion and perseverance to continue on in the face of any opposition. We are forever thankful for Survivors and it was great having them share about our journey with them at our launch this month.
Cheryl Sullenger with Operation Rescue, was our keynote speaker and she shared with our audience the fruit of some of the projects we worked on while in Wichita. She also cast the vision for the model we will use to close down New Mexico’s abortion facilities through investigative research and more. We value her wisdom and all the work she does on a daily basis.
Our good friends and local Pastors The Lardizabal’s and Clarence Washington also shared as those who have stood with us from the time we moved here. They have seen us at highs and lows and always encouraged us to keep doing what God has called us to do.
Please pray that individuals, churches and others will catch this vision and become more involved in this effort.
BREAKING: NM AG “Aggressively” Investigating UNM & SWO
Excerpt from an article by Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President of Operation Rescue
Albuquerque, NM – In a new, encouraging development, the office of New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has confirmed to a group of pro-life leaders that an investigation of a complaint filed by Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico against the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) is being “aggressively” pursued.
“We are aggressively working on gathering further information that will assist in our ongoing review of this matter,” stated James Hallinan, Communications Director for the Office of Attorney General Hector Balderas, in a written statement requested by Operation Rescue.
Maestas informed the group of leaders that the Attorney General’s office has sent “inquiry letters” to UNM and SWO requiring a “large amount of information to be produced” as part of the inquiry into alleged criminal conduct…
Albuquerque, NM- In January of 2015 a 20 year old woman from Great Britain sought a destination willing to perform an abortion for her at 30 weeks of pregnancy… so that she could continue going to college. Did she have to go to Vietnam, China, or North Korea? No, she traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to have her baby killed.
Why didn’t she have her late-term abortion in Great Britain? Because the international community has rightfully rejected barbaric late term abortions. Only 7 nations including China, North Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, Netherlands and the United States of America still allow them.
Most Americans refuse to accept the assertion that late term abortions are performed here. Interestingly, late-term abortion is overwhelmingly rejected by 80% of American women! Even a majority of the “pro-choice” community is uneasy declaring their support for such a barbaric procedure.
Unfortunately, the majority opinion hasn’t translated into public policy…
Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to the nation’s largest late term abortion killing center, Southwestern Women’s Options and is considered the late term abortion capital of America, actually of the world. Late term abortions occur so regularly at Southwestern Women’s Options that late term abortionist Susan Robinson, who recently retired from SWO emphatically stated in an interview in 2014,
‘[Women] come from all over the United States and Canada and all over the world too; I mean you have patients who come to us from Europe, we have patients from Australia, we have patients from Afghanistan[.]”
But don’t just take our word for it that late term abortions actually occur here or even the word of a former late term abortionist…
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
Ways to be a blessing for life in the new year:
-Become a monthly financial partner securely online here.
-Give a one-time financial gift from your income tax return.
–Host an Abortion Free New Mexico Strategy Seminar for your Church, Home Group or Organization.
“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
Saturday, April 29th: 11am-12pm Defund Planned Parenthood Protest, Sponsored by Abortion Free New Mexico. Click here for more information. Location: 701 San Mateo Blvd. NE. Albuquerque, NM 87108
Use street parking.
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 4th: 12pm-1pm National Day of Prayer, Sponsored by New Mexico Prays with special guests: Lt. Governor John Sanchez, Pastor Skip Heitzig, Archbishop John Wester, City Councilor Dan Lewis, Chief of Police Gorden Eden Location: Civic Plaza, 1 Civic Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Parking is available at Civic Plaza underground parking, Convention Center parking garage, and various paid parking lots in downtown. Please see attached parking map.
National Day of Prayer Week
Friday, May 5th: 11:30am, National Day of Prayer Week, Sponsored by CSA. Bud will be speaking Friday, May 5th at 11:30am on the topic of Making New Mexico Abortion Free during National Day of Prayer week at Glory Christian Fellowship in Albuquerque. For the full week of speakers, times and locations please visit the CSA website here. Location: Glory Christian Fellowship, 2417 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, 87112
Albuquerque, NM- In January of 2015 a 20 year old woman from Great Britain sought a destination willing to perform an abortion for her at 30 weeks of pregnancy… so that she could continue going to college. Did she have to go to Vietnam, China, or North Korea? No, she traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to have her baby killed.
Why didn’t she have her late-term abortion in Great Britain? Because the international community has rightfully rejected barbaric late term abortions. Only 7 nations including China, North Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, Netherlands and the United States of America still allow them.
Most Americans refuse to accept the assertion that late term abortions are performed here. Interestingly, late-term abortion is overwhelmingly rejected by 80% of American women! Even a majority of the “pro-choice” community is uneasy declaring their support for such a barbaric procedure.
Unfortunately, the majority opinion hasn’t translated into public policy…
Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to the nation’s largest late term abortion killing center, Southwestern Women’s Options and is considered the late term abortion capital of America, actually of the world. Late term abortions occur so regularly at Southwestern Women’s Options that late term abortionist Susan Robinson, who recently retired from SWO emphatically stated in an interview in 2014,
[Women] come from all over the United States and Canada and all over the world too; I mean you have patients who come to us from Europe, we have patients from Australia, we have patients from Afghanistan[.]
But don’t just take our word for it that late term abortions actually occur here or even the word of a former late term abortionist…
Listen to our latest undercover video for yourself:Exposed: 33 Week Late Term Abortion In New Mexico
“Americans must wake up and realize that bottom of the barrel states like New Mexico still allow late term abortions without restriction. This, in addition to the fact that through New Mexico Medicaid tax payers are funding these unconscionable procedures that at 33 weeks of pregnancy cost $15,500 should be enough for reasonable people to be pro-active in bringing late term abortions to an end. Late term abortions are a grisly trade and America must join the rest of civilized society and reject this inhumane treatment of pre-born babies,” stated Tara Shaver, spokeswoman for Abortion Free New Mexico.
Abortion Free New Mexico is working with Priests for Life to raise national awareness about late term abortion and have released eight undercover recordings:
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Albuquerque, NM- Please join us on April 18th from 6-8pm for our official launch of Abortion Free New Mexico joined by local and national leaders. The Christian community is vital to making New Mexico abortion free, come find out how you can be an integral part of this new effort.
When: Tuesday, April 18th from 6:00-8:00pm
Where: 3200 Vista Grande NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Why: For a special evening dedicated to making New Mexico abortion free.
Mark your calendars to come support local Pro-Life Missionaries Bud & Tara Shaver. Hear about their pro-life journey and the strategy they are implementing to make New Mexico abortion free.
To RSVP contact Tara Shaver: tara@abortionfreenm.com
Abortion Free NM (AFNM) is a systematic approach to closing the states abortion facilities. AFNM utilizes an innovative model for equipping Churches, Home/Bible study groups or Organizations in developing their own unique role in making New Mexico Abortion Free.
“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
Albuquerque, NM- When God is in control, you simply have to hold on and enjoy the ride! March was a Holy Spirit led roller coaster of a month, beginning on March 6th when Tara and our attorney had a meeting with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office. We wrapped up the month by ENDING the Protest ABQ campaign after 3 years of productive non-stop activism.
We are ready to launch the next phase of our ministry: Abortion Free New Mexico, and realize that God is the one in control and guiding our efforts!
Please join us on April 18th for our official launch joined by local and national leaders. The Christian community is vital to making New Mexico abortion free, come find out how you can be an integral part of this new effort.
Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our ministry and our family. We love you all and keep you in our prayers.
Ways to be a blessing for life in the new year:
-Become a monthly financial partner securely online here.
-Give a one-time financial gift from your income tax return.
–Host an Abortion Free New Mexico Strategy Seminar for your Church, Home Group or Organization.
“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
Protest ABQ was a campaign that was intended to only last a season, until the fruit of our protest efforts produced an environment where we can accomplish our ultimate goal: Abortion Free: New Mexico…
Albuquerque, NM —Now that the Protest ABQ campaign has concluded, this does not mean that we are folding or backing down in ANY way. The protest efforts over the past 3 years have helped to produce a dramatic reversal and promising public policy shift in New Mexico. Now is the season for implementing proven strategies that will result in New Mexico becoming, Abortion Free.
As Pro-Life Missionaries, serving in New Mexico since 2010 our research and public awareness efforts have helped to expose that New Mexico is drawing women from all across the world and America to obtain barbaric late-term abortions that are illegal in their own hometowns. New Mexico is now known nationally as the late-term abortion capital. In addition, we have uncovered horrific conditions inside New Mexico abortion facilities, tax funded atrocities, and an unregulated out-of control abortion cartel that is operating without oversight or common sense regulations.
While God has accomplished so much through the prayers and support of so many, there is still more work to be done. We are now moving into the next phase to build upon the foundation that has been laid over the past 7 years…
Bud and Tara Shaver will host a special evening dedicated to making New Mexico abortion free on April 18th and will be the official launch of Abortion Free New Mexico.
For more information contact: Tara@AbortionFreeNM.com
Speakers Include:
-Troy Newman and Cheryl Sullenger, Operation Rescue Leaders
-Pastor Clarence Washington, Abundant Life Church
-Pastors Manny and Grace Lardizabal
and more…
Abortion Free is a proven strategy fine tuned over the past two decades by Operation Rescue leaders Troy Newman and Cheryl Sullenger. When abortion facilities close utilizing peaceful tactics and the abortion industry is exposed and convicted of the plethora of crimes that they are committing behind closed doors, lives are saved and communities become, Abortion Free!
(Felicia and healthy baby Jonah!)
(Picture from Media Matters)
