Yesterday, the citizens of Albuquerque had the chance to become the first city in the nation to pass a municipal ban on abortion after 20 weeks. They missed the historic opportunity.
As the early and absentee voting results began trickling in last night for the ordinance entitled the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance, things weren’t looking good for pro-lifers. Then, just a few minutes after 11:00 P.M ET, the local station KOB4 projected a defeat for the anti-abortion bill. They later confirmed the bad news,
With all vote centers reporting, 48,042 (55.26%) voted against the ban and 38,898 (44.74%) voted in favor of the ban.
Cue the cheerleading from Planned Parenthood:
Women deserve access to the care they need—no matter where they live, no matter what. #RespectABQWomen pic.twitter.com/mcjHBLAvNg
— Planned Parenthood (@PPact) November 20, 2013
The pro-abortion organization spent over $1 million in this race to ensure the bill did not become law. Some pro-lifers like LifeNews’s Steven Ertelt, who is well versed in Planned Parenthood’s strategy, knew the money and the media on the pro-abortion side was making an impact in the polls.
15 of 50 pcts counted in Albuquerque and 55-45 against the 20-week abortion ban. Looks like Planned Parenthood bought itself another win.
— Steven Ertelt (@StevenErtelt) November 20, 2013
Planned Parenthood’s commitment to having the ordinance defeated emphasized the historical impact the bill would have, not just on the citizens of Albuquerque, but the country. Were the measure to pass, it would have proved to pro-life activists that pursuing abortion restrictions at the local – as opposed to the state and federal – level, is a winning method.
The loss, however was not reflective of the country as a whole. Sixty-eight percent oppose second trimester abortions and 84 percent opposed third trimester abortions, according to a recent Gallup poll.
So, Albuquerque obviously wasn’t the right start. Another city has to take the lead on the municipal front. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the pro-life victories we have had recently.
We had a HUGE pro-life victory today in Texas with a law that has closed abortion clinics and saved lives. PP didn't get to buy an election.
— Steven Ertelt (@StevenErtelt) November 20, 2013
And leave it to Students for Life to end the night on a positive note.
We're going to wake up tomorrow and keep fighting harder. We will abolish abortion!! #prolifegen #ABQ4Life
— Students for Life (@Students4LifeHQ) November 20, 2013