Last week PFAW invited its activists to join NARAL Pro-Choice America in beating back a dangerous local abortion ban in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These efforts proved successful yesterday, as the people of Albuquerque rejected the first-ever municipal attempt to ban abortion after 20 weeks by a margin of 55-45 percent. NARAL’s Ilyse Hogue welcomed the ballot measure’s defeat:
We hope today's resounding defeat of this abortion ban sends a clear message to the extreme forces around the country now trying to impose their agenda on cities around this country. When voters hear the real stories of real women and families facing these difficult decisions, they understand the danger and complexity of putting government between women and their doctors at these moments.
We stopped anti-choice activists in New Mexico this time, but the fight against growing threats to women’s healthcare access and autonomy continues across the country and in Washington. At a time when conservatives in Congress are trying to push through legislation that would restrict women’s access to reproductive care, yesterday’s victory is significant, but it is just the beginning. Women’s health and freedom are at risk, and we’ll keep fighting for legislation that protects them.