Dear Friends—
On Saturday, September 26, 2020, churches and faith leaders across the country will gather for a time of national repentance, intercession, and prayer, and I would like to personally invite you to join one of our local New Mexico events!
At 10:00 a.m., prayer and worship services will commence in Alto and Santa Fe, and other locations throughout the state. For a list of all events, please follow New Mexico On Our Knees on Facebook.
Details for the Alto and Santa Fe events are below. Please note, these services are not protest rallies or campaign events. Therefore, the organizers respectfully ask all attendees to refrain from bringing any political signs or distributing any campaign materials.
New Mexico On Our Knees
Saturday, September 26, 2020
10:00 a.m.
Santa Fe Prayer & Worship Service
State Capitol Stairs – West Side
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Alto Prayer & Worship Service
Cogburn Performance Horse Ranch & Event Center
464 State Hwy. 220, Alto, NM 88312
I hope you can join us at one of these events as we worship our Lord and lift up our state and nation in prayer.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” -Psalm 95:6
In His Service,
Pastor Vince Torres
President & Executive Director
The City of Albuquerque is already known to be a premier destination for women seeking late-term abortions. However, a soon-to-be-released HBO movie will feature Albuquerque as the next hotspot for the abortion industry’s latest target – underage girls, or as we appropriately call them – children.
“Unpregnant” is scheduled for release on September 10 and has been heralded by one movie writer as “an abortion buddy comedy.” The film tells the story of a high school teenager who discovers she is pregnant. After learning that she cannot have an abortion in her home state of Missouri without her parents’ knowledge and consent, she is referred to Albuquerque, where underage girls can obtain abortions without any parental involvement. From there, she convinces an old friend to take the long road trip with her from Missouri to New Mexico to “get the procedure.”
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a national pro-abortion research and policy organization, New Mexico has some of the fewest abortion protections and restrictions of any state in the country. With no parental involvement requirements for minors, no waiting periods, and no term-limitations, more and more women are crossing state lines and coming to New Mexico to circumvent pro-life laws in other states. AP data collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that “at least 276,000 women terminated their pregnancies outside their home state between 2012 and 2017,” and that “New Mexico’s share of abortions performed on women from out of state more than doubled from 11% to roughly 25%” during that period. Recently, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains noted that the Albuquerque Planned Parenthood parking lot is often filled with out-of-state license plates and that they “never turn someone away.”
Tragically, legal, elective abortion up to the moment of birth is nothing new in New Mexico. However, the recent efforts by the abortion industry to target children should have us all fuming. Just last year, Teen Vogue published an article titled, “How to Get an Abortion If You’re a Teen,” and this year, they highlighted the story of a young woman who flew to New Mexico to obtain an abortion when she was almost 7 months pregnant. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood launched an app and chatbot called “Roo” which interacts with children as young as thirteen about birth control and sex. The app has been praised by some as a tool for children to bypass their parents and skirt abstinence-focused education.
At one time, the abortion industry and pro-choice politicians promoted “safe, legal, and rare” abortions. Sadly, rare is no longer part of their pithy slogan or their radical agenda. With overall abortion numbers on the decline, they have turned their attention to indoctrinating children and promoting promiscuity, thereby fostering a new wave of customers to fund their multi-billion-dollar empire.
Shame on HBO. Shame on Teen Vogue. Shame on the abortion industry. And shame on us for allowing our state to become a bastion for their barbaric and cunning practices. I hope you will join me and other pro-life leaders in boldly proclaiming this year, “enough is enough.”
This November, all 112 seats in our State Senate and House of Representatives are on the ballot, and for pro-life New Mexicans, the stakes have never been higher. When we ring in 2021, will we face a progressive-dominated legislature that will quickly codify legal, elective abortion up to the moment of birth in state law? Or will we welcome a pro-life legislature that will protect women and children and help foster a culture of life throughout New Mexico? The choice is ours.
In the coming weeks, we will be partnering with our friends at Right to Life Committee of New Mexico to let you know who our pro-life Senate and House candidates are. While we may have many challenges facing our state, no issue is more pressing or morally urgent than the sanctity of human life, and our message this year is simple – “Vote as if life depends on it.”
This November 3rd, #VoteProLife and #SaveLives.
Dear Friends—
In the midst of these challenging times, I am proud to bring you some good news in the form of another pro-life victory in our state.
Recently, the Cimarron Village Council passed a pro-life resolution affirming the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. The resolution was introduced by Council Member Matthew Gonzales and it was unanimously passed by the four Democrats and lone Republican on the Council.
The Council resolution states in part:
“[W]e, the members of the Cimarron Village Council, declare that innocent human life, including fetal life, must always be protected and that Society must protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
The Village of Cimarron now joins at least five other New Mexico local governments that have passed pro-life resolutions around the state. This list includes the Lea County Commission, the Eddy County Commission, the Hidalgo County Commission, the Roswell City Council, and the Kirtland Town Council.
While New Mexico is infamously regarded as the “late-term abortion capital of the country,” these local governments are trying to reverse the culture of death in our state by promoting a culture of life. We applaud them, and we ask the question:
Which local government will be next?
As previously reported, County Commissioner James Martinez has proposed a pro-life resolution in Rio Arriba County, but it has not yet been voted on. If your county, city, town, or village is not on this list, please consider contacting your local County Commissioner or Council Member this week and ask them to introduce a similar resolution.
Together, let’s send a message to the abortion industry—that New Mexico is a pro-life state!
Standing with you for life,
Vince Torres
President & Executive Director
To read the Village of Cimarron’s pro-life resolution in its entirety, please click here.
By Vince Torres
As the states and nation prepare for the 2020 Election, national abortion groups are ramping up their election efforts, and New Mexico is in their crosshairs. Following the historic defeat of radical abortion legislation during the 2019 Legislative Session, these groups have made it clear that electing pro-abortion majorities in the New Mexico Senate and House is a top priority. At the same time, they are also working to support pro-abortion candidates in our federal races in hopes of keeping New Mexico’s Congressional delegation 100% pro-abortion.
Who are these groups?
Meet Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is the largest single provider of abortion in the country. According to their annual report, they conducted almost 333,000 abortions during the 2018 fiscal year. Earlier this month, Planned Parenthood announced its plans to spend $45 million for the 2020 election. The organization’s local political arm, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico, will likely announce its endorsements next year and they will invest heavily in those races.
Meet NARAL. NARAL Pro-Choice America is the oldest pro-abortion advocacy group in the country. Founded in 1969, NARAL’s lobbying efforts include strong advocacy for unrestricted, elective abortion up to the moment of birth. Meanwhile, the group strongly opposes common-sense policies supported by most Americans, including legislation to protect babies who survive botched abortions. In September, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham spoke at NARAL’s 50th Anniversary Dinner. During her remarks, the Governor said she was “ashamed” and “disgusted” that pro-life Democrats had joined together with Republicans to defeat the radical abortion bill, House Bill 51. NARAL endorsed the Governor in 2018 and they have already engaged in the 2020 Election with formal endorsements of Democratic Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (2nd Congressional District) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional District).
Meet Emily’s List. Emily’s List is a national pro-abortion organization with a self-proclaimed mission to elect pro-abortion women to office. Like NARAL, Emily’s List has already engaged in the 2020 Election by endorsing Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small, candidate Teresa Leger Fernandez, and 11 incumbent New Mexico State Senators and Representatives—Senators Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (D-Cerrillos); and Representatives Karen Bash (D-Albuquerque), Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), Melanie Stansbury (D-Albuquerque), Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-Albuquerque).
Why are we sharing this information? Because as you research the candidates running for office, it is often difficult to find out where they stand on the issue of “life.” Few candidates actually advertise their support for abortion up to the moment of birth, or their opposition to parents being notified when their minor child tries to obtain an abortion. Most candidates do, however, share their endorsements and we want you to know that an endorsement from Planned Parenthood, NARAL, or Emily’s List means one thing—the candidate is radically pro-abortion.
In the coming months, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico® and our local allies will be working hard to keep you informed on the “life” issue and where the candidates stand on abortion. We cannot allow these radical, national abortion groups to hijack our state, and without our engagement, that is exactly what will happen.
Together, let’s PRAY for life.
Together, let’s SPEAK UP for life.
Together, let’s ACT for life.
And come 2020, together, let’s VOTE for life.
Paid for by Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico
Dear Friends—
This weekend, the highly anticipated movie, “Unplanned,” opens in theaters across the country, and I encourage all of you to go and see it!
“Unplanned” is the true story of Abby Johnson, the former Planned Parenthood Clinic Director turned Pro-Life Advocate. As one of the youngest Clinic Directors in the nation, Abby was involved in approximately 22,000 abortions and became a public spokesperson and lobbyist for Planned Parenthood. However, one day, she witnessed something that changed her life forever and led her to become one of the most outspoken pro-life leaders in America.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) had given “Unplanned” an R-rating. Although the movie’s creators anticipated a PG-13-rating, it was reported that the MPAA informed “Unplanned” that the R-rating would be given unless all scenes involving abortions were removed or changed. Incidentally, the rating fiasco exposed yet another absurdity regarding minors and abortions in New Mexico.
FACT: A 15-year-old girl in New Mexico can get an abortion without parental notification or consent. However, that same girl cannot watch a movie about abortion without her parents being with her.
It is obvious that Hollywood and the abortion industry are doing everything possible to keep the public from seeing this movie—especially young women. Friends—we cannot let them hide the truth. I encourage all of you to support this film by seeing it this weekend and encouraging your friends and family members to do the same. This is also a great film for pro-choice folks who may now be struggling with the idea of abortion up-to-birth and infanticide, so please invite them as well!
For theater and ticket information, please visit unplannedtickets.com.
Together, let’s give this film a strong opening weekend and send a clear message—that we are the pro-life majority!
God bless you and have a wonderful week.
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director
At what point does a life become worthy of protection? This is the question behind the pro-life movement. We believe human life deserves protection from the moment of conception.
Since Roe v. Wade, states have decided when this protection begins in various ways. Some states allow a woman to recover civil damages if someone kills her baby in the womb no matter the stage of the pregnancy, recognizing the humanity of the preborn life inside her. Some states heighten punishment for a person convicted of killing a pregnant woman, which recognizes that two lives were taken.
States have also regulated when abortions can occur. Some states are passing “Heartbeat” bills. The laws ban abortions after a doctor detects a heartbeat, recognizing the scientific fact that a heartbeat is a sign of life. Typically, a heartbeat can be detected around the sixth week of a pregnancy.
Though these laws are typically immediately struck down by federal and state judges because of the so-called “right to abortion” in Roe v. Wade precedent, they do serve the important purpose of reminding everyone what we all know: There is a baby worthy of protection in the womb. There are other important legal and strategic implications of these bills, but no one can deny that there is a separate beating heart inside the woman.
Other laws protect babies from certain forms of abortion, such as dismemberment laws, which ban an abortionist from tearing a baby apart limb-by-limb in the womb while the child is still alive. Courts have struck down these laws, even judges we’d consider “conservative judges,” because it is the most commonly used abortion procedure after 15 weeks into the pregnancy. Courts say that this violates the “woman’s right to choose to have an abortion” up until the baby is viable outside the womb, at around 24 weeks.
Even as we are seeing progress in the court of public opinion and as legislators in many states are beginning to recognize this as an issue they can no longer ignore, Planned Parenthood and their pro-abortion followers recognize the progress we are making and are fighting back. I’m sure you wept with us as New York passed a law allowing a preborn child to be killed even up until the moment before birth—and stripping any requirement that an infant who survives a botched abortion receive proper medical care. But New York isn’t alone. At least four other states – Vermont, Virginia, Rhode Island, and New Mexico –are considering bills similar to New York’s.
Even more shocking—some state lawmakers want to permit abortion procedures to occur without a doctor’s oversight. They also want to require doctors to perform abortions—regardless of their professional judgment or religious beliefs. Clearly, the pro-abortion movement will stop at nothing.
As John 1:5 says, “A light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” We know the truth – the baby in the womb is a life worthy protecting. In fact, the Bible tells us that it was a preborn baby who first rejoiced at the coming of Jesus! (John 1:41) Today’s Christ-followers are called to shine a light in the darkness of our culture of death.
Along with our state allies, we are engaged in the fight for every child in state capitols across the country. Will you make sure you are ready to fight against the pro-abortion bills coming in your state—as well as the good prolife bills that need your support?
Please check our ACTION CENTER to see if there are any bills in your state or in D.C. that need your voice?
Please also make sure that you are signed up with our state ally in your state—CHECK HERE to find your ally!
For Life,
Brittany Jones, Esq.
Policy Manager
P.S. Do you not have an allied state family policy group in your state? Email info@FamilyPolicyAlliance.com if you’re interested in helping get one started!
Today, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico proudly endorsed Michael Hendricks for Attorney General of New Mexico.
“Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico is pleased to endorse Michael Hendricks for Attorney General,” said Vince Torres, Executive Director. “Our state faces some significant challenges in the areas of life and religious freedom, and we need an Attorney General who will faithfully enforce our laws and put the interests of New Mexicans ahead of politics. As a private attorney, Michael has devoted his career to helping the disenfranchised and upholding the rule of law. As Attorney General, I am confident he will do the same and quickly restore public trust in this important state office.”
Michael Hendricks grew up in Mexico as the son of Christian missionaries. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico Law School and, in 2015, he founded Hendricks Law where he specializes in family and employment immigration, and deportation defense. Michael and his wife, Jodi, have four children and reside in Albuquerque.
Paid for By Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico.
“To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
~1 Timothy 1:17
Dear Friends:
Welcome to part one of a four-part series dedicated to highlighting the vision of Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico. Today, we examine the first part of our vision – a New Mexico where God is honored.
On January 15, 1912, our state’s first governor, William McDonald, concluded his inaugural address with these words:
“And now, trusting the Power that controls the destinies of men and nations, and the encouragement and inspiration that comes through the confidence of a generous people, I shall take up the work that with the blessing of the Almighty, I trust may redound to the benefit of our new state and to the good of the whole people.”
If we look at our nation’s founding documents and state constitutions, there are many common declarations and acknowledgments, including a solemn recognition of God’s existence and authority in our lives. Gov. McDonald made a similar acknowledgment when he noted God’s sovereign control over the fate of people and nations, and affirmed a personal dependency on God for divine blessings and success.
Imagine for a moment if all our modern-day officials were motivated by these same truths and, thus, inspired to pursue only those policies that would honor God. How might this change the direction of New Mexico? How might it change the very fabric of our society?
As a state that sadly finds itself on the bottom of most good lists and at the top of most bad lists, I think we can all agree that something is really wrong in New Mexico. And, maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with the fact that we have allowed our traditions, cultures and values to be seized by those who disavow God’s existence and/or authority, and seek to expel any remnant of God-honoring principles from our government, our schools, and even our homes.
Yes, this is happening, and, yes, we have in many cases allowed it to happen.
At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, we are actively working to honor God by exercising our responsibility as the people of God to “stand firm and take action” (Daniel 11:32); to engage our culture and government; and to stand up for the Biblical values we share. We call this “unleashing citizenship” and we encourage you to become a part of this movement of change!
Are you in? If so, please forward this message to 5 friends and encourage them to sign up for our email list.
Picture this – a New Mexico where “God is honored.” Now, join us as we work diligently to transform this picture into reality!
For His glory and honor alone,
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director
Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico
Part2: Now, Picture This! A New Mexico Where Religious Freedom Flourishes…