What I Learned at TeenPact New Mexico 2019

By Mona Koerner

This week in Santa Fe I watched the political machinations of what many called the "most extreme" abortion bill in the nation[1].  I read the bill[2], I read the existing law that the bill is repealing[3], I read the other abortion law that remains on the books[4], and I read the New Mexico Supreme Court ruling that grants a woman a right to a “medically necessary” abortion under the Equal Protection Clause of the New Mexico constitution[5].

I saw the TeenPact participants reaction to this bill and the mobilizing of people to oppose the bill.  I read the rhetoric on both sides (all inaccurate and inflammatory). I spent 20 minutes in the Governor’s office listening to the secretary answer continuous calls opposing the bill. I received urgent messages via group text and Facebook to act to oppose this bill.  I emailed and spoke to my representative.  I discussed the issue with other moms.  I saw the polarization of the people around this issue.  And I prayed.  And I really felt that God was telling me – “don’t waste your energy, this is not the battle I'm calling you to fight”. 

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