November 19th  could shake the foundation of the Pro life-Pro Choice battle in our nation.  Residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico will be casting ballots on  a citywide ordinance that seeks to place a ban on abortions past 20 weeks.

The “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance”  if passed, would be historic in this country.  It would mean Albuquerque would be the first city to establish the 20 week ban.   A virtually identical  bill was introduced federally by the House of Representatives back in June of 2013,  H. R. 1797.  It has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it has stayed with out progress.

According to Alliance Defending Freedom for Faith and Justice, a non profit faith based  legal organization,

“This ordinance will protect children in the womb who [would] experience horrific pain during a late-term abortion.”

So far, early voting on the late term abortion ban initiative has been  met with record turn out for a special ballot measure as this.  A recent poll taken by the Albuquerque Journal showed 54% of Albuquerque residents support the measure, with 39% opposed.

Lila Rose, President of Live Action, released an undercover video exposing the not only the dangers of late term abortions but the huge profits the clinics receive. Shot at the Southwestern Womens, one of two late term abortion clinics in Albuquerque.  In a statement regarding the video and it’s release, says Lila Rose:

“This facility is only one of the worst examples of the abortion industry’s complete disregard for basic human rights”

WARNING: VIDEO IS OF A GRAPHIC NATURE

According to Politico opponents of the ordinance state the “wording is confusing and would seek to place late term abortions out of reach from many woman who live in New Mexico, some of whom seek abortions at that point because of severe fetal abnormalities.”

Julie Koob, a legislative advocate for Planned Parenthood of New Mexico told Politico:

“The effect of this ban is statewide.  This ban really is Albuquerque voters voting on behalf of all New Mexican families across the state.”

Both supporters and opponents of the measure will be taking to the airwaves in hopes to sway voters in the city of Albuquerque until 7 pm Tuesday November 19th when the votes will be counted.

Updates on this very important vote and possible historic outcome to  follow.

UPDATE:

The Ban did not pass.  Albuquerque residents voting against the ban 55%, for 45%.  According to KRQE NEWS over 87,000 residents turned out to vote.  To give some context on the importance of this issue, that is a 20% increase in voters who went to the polls for the Mayoral Race in October.