A newborn’s story reveals the mission driving Abortion Free New Mexico’s comprehensive efforts for life. By Bud Shaver, Albuquerque, New Mexico -- The birth of a baby boy this month is highlighting both the life-saving work of sidewalk outreach and the broader debate over New Mexico’s growing role as a regional abortion destination. The child, Nathan, was born March 2 after his mother encountered volunteers from an Abortion Free New Mexico (AFNM) sidewalk outreach team outside a New Mexico abortion facility late last year. At the time, she was 24 weeks pregnant. The couple spoke only Spanish, creating an immediate language barrier. Using Google Translate, practical support, and compassionate conversation, volunteers were able to communicate with the mother and offer encouragement and resources. Despite difficult circumstances, she ultimately chose life. Nathan was born healthy. His name means “Gift of God.” For AFNM leaders, the story reflects the core mission that has guided the organization’s work across New Mexico — saving lives.  A Mission Centered on Saving Lives While Abortion Free New Mexico has increasingly become known for its investigative work, legislative testimony, and public accountability efforts, leaders say those initiatives have always existed to support the organization’s original mission: reaching mothers and saving lives. Unlike many national organizations that focus primarily on a single strategy, AFNM says its approach has always involved multiple efforts working together — including sidewalk outreach, prayer, investigative research, legislative engagement, and public education. The organization also emphasizes cooperation across the broader pro-life movement. “There is a place for everyone in the pro-life movement,” said Tara Shaver, spokesperson for Abortion Free New Mexico. Nathan’s story represents the kind of life-saving moment those diverse efforts are ultimately meant to make possible. New Mexico Becoming a Regional Abortion Destination Nathan’s story also highlights a broader trend AFNM says has emerged in recent years, with New Mexico becoming a regional destination for abortion as women increasingly travel from surrounding states seeking procedures. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, abortion travel into New Mexico has increased significantly as the state maintained some of the most permissive abortion policies in the region. According to a Guttmacher Institute provider survey, an estimated 21,000 abortions occurred in New Mexico in 2023 — a dramatic increase widely attributed to out-of-state abortion travel. AFNM has been among the most vocal organizations documenting what it describes as “abortion tourism” flowing into New Mexico, a term the organization helped bring into national focus as abortion travel into the state increased dramatically after Roe v. Wade was overturned. The organization has repeatedly published reports and graphics highlighting the trend, and recently launched a three-billboard interstate campaign in Texas aimed at countering efforts promoting New Mexico as a destination for abortion. The campaign also responds to pro-abortion billboards in New Mexico celebrating expanded abortion access in the state. AFNM leaders Bud and Tara Shaver originally moved to New Mexico more than a decade ago to investigate and expose the state’s role as a destination for late-term abortion procedures, a reality that led them to publicly describe New Mexico as the “Late-Term Abortion Capital.” Their work documenting late-term abortion practices helped bring national attention to the issue and contributed to the organization’s growing prominence within the broader pro-life movement. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, AFNM leaders say the dynamic has expanded significantly, with women now traveling to New Mexico for abortions at all stages of pregnancy, not only late-term procedures. The shift has also coincided with the rapid growth of chemical abortions, which now account for an estimated 63% of abortions nationally, a trend AFNM says is increasingly reflected in New Mexico’s abortion landscape. AFNM leaders say these developments reinforce the importance of direct outreach to mothers alongside broader efforts to expose and challenge abortion practices in the state. “New Mexico has effectively become an abortion destination for the region,” Shaver said.  Recent Efforts in 2026 AFNM leaders say 2026 alone has already demonstrated the breadth of the organization’s work, combining direct outreach to mothers with legislative oversight, investigative reporting, and public awareness campaigns. Recent efforts this year include: Sidewalk Outreach and Life-Saving Encounters AFNM volunteers continue regular outreach outside abortion facilities across the state, offering practical help, resources, and the Gospel to women facing crisis pregnancies. Legislative Oversight During the 2026 Session AFNM representatives testified during committee hearings on abortion-related legislation, including Senate Bill 30, which repealed New Mexico’s abortion reporting requirement — a move that removes the state’s longstanding mandate to report induced abortions to public health authorities. Formal Complaint Filed with the New Mexico Department of Justice Following testimony during legislative hearings acknowledging that abortion reporting laws had not been enforced for years, AFNM filed a complaint seeking accountability and clarification regarding the state’s oversight of abortion reporting. Public Records Requests and Investigative Research AFNM has filed multiple IPRA requests seeking records related to abortion practices and fetal tissue research connected to the University of New Mexico following changes in federal research funding policy. Interstate Billboard Campaign To counter efforts promoting New Mexico as an abortion destination, AFNM launched a three-location interstate billboard campaign in Texas, drawing attention to abortion travel into the state. Public Reporting on Abortion Travel Trends The organization continues publishing reports and graphics highlighting the rise in out-of-state abortion travel and the growing use of chemical abortions, which now account for about 63% of abortions nationally, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute. Yet AFNM leaders say the purpose of every one of these efforts ultimately points back to moments like Nathan’s story — when someone shows up and a life is saved. “This Is Why We Show Up” Despite the organization’s expanding investigations and legal efforts, AFNM leaders say the heart of their work remains moments like Nathan’s story. “We can conduct investigations, testify before lawmakers, and file complaints,” Shaver said. Nathan’s birth, she said, is proof those encounters matter. “Nathan is here today because someone showed up.”  “New Mexico has become an abortion destination for the region. But when people show up with truth, help, and the Gospel, lives can still be saved. That’s why we will continue showing up — on the sidewalks, in the legislature, and in the public square — because every life is worth defending.” AFNM says the sidewalks outside abortion facilities remain places where lives can still be saved. Nathan’s story is a reminder that even as policy battles intensify, the mission remains simple: show up, offer hope, and save lives whenever possible. The organization is currently recruiting volunteers and hosting training events for those interested in getting involved. About Abortion Free New Mexico Abortion Free New Mexico is a pro-life advocacy organization focused on research, investigative reporting, legislative engagement, and sidewalk outreach. The organization trains volunteers to offer compassionate support and practical resources to women outside abortion facilities while pursuing transparency and accountability surrounding abortion policy in New Mexico.
✚ Abortion Free New Mexico Standing for Life. Sharing the Gospel 🌐 AbortionFreeNM.com
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