Thousands brave inclement weather to demand pro-life legislation
An estimated 2000 people processed throughout the Plaza area of Santa Fe today to the New Mexico government seat, commonly called the Roundhouse. The procession followed a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of St Francis concelebrated by 2 of the 3 bishops of New Mexico and over a dozen priests. Joining the procession was an additional crowd of Christians of other denominations who held a praise and worship service outdoors in the plaza.
All joined together in unity to tell the elected leaders of NM that it is time to passed pro-life legislation. New Mexico is the least restrictive state for abortion in the country and is often referred to as the late term abortion capital of the world. Recently a 20 year old woman from Great Britain came to Albuquerque to abort her 30 week old unborn child.
Earlier in the morning, about 30 state legislators attended a breakfast hosted by the NM Bishop’s Conference and several of them later spoke at the Roundhouse Rally. For emphasis, one of the featured speakers at the rally was Ramona Trevino, a former employee of Planned Parenthood, who rallied the crowd with her testimony.
As evident as many of the pro-life elected legislators were throughout the day, conspicuous by her absence was Governor Susana Martinez. Although the estimated 1500 people packed into the Roundhouse repeatedly chanted for her, the Governor did not appear nor, according to Allen Sanchez, has she ever appeared at one of these pro-life events. Governor Martinez has come under protest this past year and during her re-election campaign for her silence and lack of action while her state suffers from its abortion friendly reputation. She and members of her administration have also been seen as often disrespecting pro-lifers throughout New Mexico.
The pro-lifers present today, many of them families with young children as well as teens and young adults, feel it is time for the legislature to pass pro-life bills such as parental notification and informed consent and that it is time for the Governor to sign these into law. Archbishop Michael Sheehan mentioned in his homily that New Mexico needs restrictions on late term abortions similar to many other states in the country.
The Sanctity of Life Awareness and Unity Day annually is held on the 2nd day of the legislative session. This year’s session lasts 60 days. No pro-life legislation has been pre-filed. However, some legislators have assured leading pro-lifers that there will be full house and senate votes on pro-life legislation this year. It remains to be seen if the Governor will sign such legislation if it reaches her desk. She is on record as saying, “if legislation protecting a fetus reaches my desk, I will consider signing it.” Many pro-lifers present today do not see her comment as strong support of what the people in the Roundhouse were processing for, clamoring for, and asking Governor Martinez for today.
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