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”. 

My heart was heavy on this issue but I could not get over the feeling that it’s too late – this battle has already been lost but God was calling me focus on the battle ahead and not to become distracted or lose hope because I'm still needed to fight the battle He has called me to.  In a society and culture where a large portion of the population supports abortion, where organizations and millions of dollars are mobilized to support abortion legislation and in a state where the party most likely to support abortion controls both houses and the executive, opposing this legislation is not the battle I'm called to fight.  Instead this was meant to spur me, to solidify my resolve, to focus my energies on the battle he is calling me to:  the battle for the hearts and minds and souls of people (especially young people).

​This week I witnessed seventy or more young people who presented themselves well, were articulate, kind and unafraid.  They were excited to learn about the Biblical role of government and to grow in their relationship with Christ.  They had the courage to speak out on issues among their peers and the courtesy to listen to each other.  They were undaunted by asking questions of legislators and strangers in the Roundhouse. They were enthusiastic, excited and full of energy. I was encouraged and awed and challenged by them.  And I saw how the abortion bill broke their hearts and how they could not understand the culture, society, and political atmosphere that my generation is preparing to hand over to them.  What the world needs most is more of them.  We cannot legislate morality or beauty or truth, it has to be cultivated, and grown, and taught, and shared.

[1] Read them yourself to determine if you agree.
[2] HB51 
[3] Law being repealed 30-5-1, 30-5-2, 30-5-3
​[4] New Mexico Partial-birth Ban 30-5A-3, 30-5A-5
[5] Naral v. Johnson , Summary
Note: Both Roe v. Wade and Naral v. Johnson supersede parts of the law being repealed

To search current New Mexico Law visit New Mexico Compilation Commission

Mona Koerner

Mona Koerner is a homeschooling mom that is passionate about sharing Christ with the next generation.