“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” –Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Dear Friends:
This past weekend, I had the privilege of speaking on a discussion panel at the 2018 Students for Life Leadership Workshop. The event was held at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and was well attended by students, pro-life activists, and leaders from local pro-life organizations. Joining me on the panel was Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life, and, together, we answered several questions about pro-life legislation and the political climate in our state.
During our discussion, one particular question stood out to me, and it went like this:
“Some think presenting pro-life bills is a waste of time and that saving lives will not happen at the legislature. What do you say to that?”
The question stood out, in part, because I have heard this sentiment expressed many times over the years, and my initial thought has always been, “I’m sure glad you don’t feel that way about other issues!” It is no secret that New Mexico trails the rest of the nation in many critical areas, including education, economic growth, and child well-being, to name a few. However, the fact that we are lagging behind in those areas has never kept us from trying to improve and make progress, so why would we give up on life?
Like the areas referenced above, New Mexico is also far behind other states when it comes to enacting reasonable legislation to protect life. This past week alone, state legislatures across the country passed several pro-life bills, including:
- Legislation to protect babies with a detectable beating heart (passed by the Iowa Senate on February 28)
- Legislation to require parental notification when a minor seeks an abortion (passed by the Missouri House on February 27)
- Legislation to ban dismemberment abortions (passed by the Florida House on March 1)
These are just a few examples of what is becoming a national trend, and it’s time for New Mexico to catch up! At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, we believe that saving lives will happen at the legislature and it is up to us – you and I – to make it happen! The abortion industry’s lobby in New Mexico is strong and well-financed by out-of-touch, out-of-state interests. To counter their efforts, we need a strong, well-funded, local movement of pro-life New Mexicans who will not give up until we achieve our vision – a New Mexico where life is cherished!
Something to think about: Last week, Planned Parenthood announced their plan to spend $20 million this year to defeat pro-life candidates for Governor and the U.S. Senate. With those resources at their disposal, we must continue to ask why they continue to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies every year.
Something to pray for: Please pray for our pro-life candidates this election cycle. In addition to electing a new Governor this November, all 70 seats in the State House of Representatives will be on the ballot, along with our federal races for U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator. In the coming months, we will keep you informed on where some of the key candidates stand on the issue of life. If we want change, we must elect change!
Something to do: If you do not know the names of your State Representative and/or State Senator, please click here to find out! As we begin to share information regarding the upcoming election, it is important to know who your elected officials are, and if they are representing your values.
As always, thank you for your prayers and support. We could not do this without you!
Blessings,
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director
