Catholics Play Major Role in Defeat of Albuquerque Antiabortion Ballot Measure

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholics in Albuquerque joined their neighbors, friends and fellow residents in defeating a ballot measure that would have banned abortion in the city after 20 weeks with no exceptions for rape, incest or the health of a pregnant woman. Catholics across the city spoke out in the weeks leading up to the vote, taking a stand to show support for women's moral autonomy and their right to make conscience-based decisions about their own health and lives.

Sara Hutchinson, director of the domestic program at Catholics for Choice, said, "Today, we are proud to stand with our partners in the Respect ABQ Women campaign and with Catholics in Albuquerque. Those who claim to speak for all Catholics will have heard very clearly that the majority of Catholics support policies that enable women and men to make their own decisions about whether and when to have children. In New Mexico there are more than half a million Catholics. Only five of them are bishops. Today, the majority has spoken."

Catholics for Choice was on the ground in Albuquerque over the past few months, engaging local supporters in the effort to defeat the ballot measure and helping them raise their voices in print and radio ads throughout the city. To listen to the radio ads and see the print ads, please click here.

Catholics for Choice shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to women's well-being and respect and affirm the capacity of women and men to make moral decisions about their lives.

SOURCE Catholics for Choice