In my time in elected office, I’ve been called many things, most of them typical political labels. But one name I’ve never shied away from is “pro-life.” I wear it as a badge of honor, because at the heart of my public service is a deep commitment to protecting life.
Unfortunately, the political debate around abortion, especially in New Mexico, has been completely coopted by pro-abortion advocates who have cut off any real serious debate on the issue. That’s a disservice to thoughtful discussion necessary to help women and families impacted by unwanted pregnancies. Rather than directing women towards resources, they are feverishly steered to an abortion clinic.
What I support is a culture where life is the first and most serious consideration. I believe, at the very least, in offering women the support, the resources, and all relevant information if they find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy. Resources that respect both their dignity and the life they are carrying. If that information results in even one fewer abortion, how can that possibly be seen as a negative outcome?
What I find disturbing is the increasingly aggressive push by some to promote and expand the abortion industry. In a state with a deep tradition of faith and family values, how did we arrive at a place where abortion is not only protected, but celebrated?
New Mexico has taken the extraordinary step of building state-run abortion clinics. The Governor advertises our state as a destination for out-of-state abortions. The progressive controlled legislature has rejected even the most basic protections like parental notification for minors, or medical care for babies born alive. These are not radical proposals. They are commonsense safeguards that any compassionate society should embrace.
When my colleagues and I propose informed consent requirements, safety standards for clinics, or support services for pregnant women, we’re not met with debate, we’re met with name-calling. We’re labeled as extremists, zealots, anti-women or worse. Let’s be clear, wanting to ensure women have access to real options, and that unborn children are treated with humanity, should not be controversial.
Consider this: In 2023, New Mexico recorded 20,950 abortions compared to 20,951 births. Those numbers are nearly identical. If that is not a sad reflection on where our priorities are, I don’t know what is.
I’m not anti-woman. I’m pro-woman and pro-child. I believe we can value both. And if advocating for transparency, safety, and life makes me an outlier in today’s politics, then so be it.
Women deserve to be informed, especially when so many institutions in New Mexico are using every tool to influence women to have an abortion. As a pro-life legislator, I will continue to hold accountable those who have created a system that pushes abortion as the easiest and only option, and worse that ghoulishly celebrates an industry designed to end life. We can and must do better.
Jenifer Jones represents District 32 in the New Mexico Legislature
