As construction begins on a taxpayer-funded abortion facility in southern New Mexico, pro-life organizations across the state are mobilizing in what they describe as a historic show of unity.
A newly formed coalition of pro-life leaders announced plans to gather on April 10 in Albuquerque, bringing together organizations from across New Mexico in response to the state’s expansion of abortion services, including a $10 million facility currently under development in Las Cruces.
Organizers say the project represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to abortion policy. The facility is expected not only to provide abortion services but also to serve as a training center for abortion providers, with the stated goal of expanding access nationwide.
The development comes as New Mexico has emerged as one of the most permissive states in the country for abortion following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. According to organizers, the number of abortions performed in the state has more than tripled since 2020, with a majority now involving out-of-state patients.
The new coalition, supported by the Knights of Columbus, aims to unify efforts among various pro-life groups that have historically operated independently. Leaders say the April 10 event is intended to mark a turning point in how those organizations coordinate and advocate moving forward.
“There are moments in history when silence is not an option — and this is one of them,” said Anthony Salazar, State Deputy of the New Mexico State Council of the Knights of Columbus. “What is being built in Las Cruces is a moral crisis, and on April 10 we stand as one.”
The gathering is also drawing national attention due to the involvement of Iowa-based pro-life strategist Chuck Hurley, who will deliver the keynote address. Hurley played a key role in building a coalition of organizations in Iowa that proponents say led to significant legislative changes, including restrictions on abortion and other policy shifts.
“For over twenty-six years, we saw no fruit at the Iowa Capitol on life issues—none,” Hurley said. “But once our leaders took this particular action to stand together, the victories started coming almost immediately.”
Supporters of the New Mexico coalition say they are looking to replicate that model, emphasizing coordination and shared strategy as a way to influence policy in a state where pro-life efforts have faced significant legislative challenges.
Mark Cavaliere of Life Leadership Conference, a national organization supporting the effort, said the New Mexico initiative could serve as a model for other states.
“What happened in Iowa proves that when pro-life leaders stop working in isolation and make a public commitment to stand together, the results can be historic,” Cavaliere said.
The coalition’s formation comes as pro-abortion Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signaled continued support for expanding abortion access, including a request for an additional $10 million to fund a second facility in northern New Mexico.
Organizers say the April 10 event will be livestreamed, with the goal of reaching supporters across the state and beyond via ProLifeNM.com.
As both sides continue to mobilize, the issue is expected to remain a central point of debate in New Mexico, reflecting broader national divisions over abortion policy in the post-Dobbs era.