Fires set by suspected arsonists have rendered Project Defending Life, also known as Women’s Pregnancy Options, a pregnancy resource center in the heart of the late-term abortion capital of the nation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, inoperable this morning.
The clinic is across the street from Planned Parenthood, which does abortions up until 19 weeks. The late-term abortion facility is less than four miles away.
Our sources in Albuquerque said someone broke into the building and set a fire inside the chapel itself, which is housed inside Project Defending Life, and also in another room where there was pro-life literature.
The fire department has confirmed with our students that it was an intentional crime of arson, a hate crime. At least one of our students have spoken to the FBI about the crime so they have opened up an investigation.
Students for Life of America students at nearby University of New Mexico are frequent volunteers at Project Defending Life and some are employees of the clinic. ABC News Nightline even visited the clinic with SFLA’s president Kristan Hawkins when they profiled her two years ago and shot several clips from the center and nearby abortion facilities.
“We are disgusted by this hate crime committed against Project Defending Life, a peaceful organization whose only aim is to help women facing unplanned pregnancies, and we are so thankful that no one was injured,” said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America. “The domestic terrorists who committed this heinous act must be found and brought to justice. Planned Parenthood of ABQ and other pro-abortion forces must denounce this act immediately. Violence has no place in our society, regardless of whether it is committed upon the most defenseless preborn child or a peaceful pro-life office.”
“It is essential that Project Defending Life’s doors to be opened back up as soon as possible because so many women are in need of help, compassion and love,” Hawkins said. “Their mission will continue.”.
Project Defending Life is closed until further notice yet the pro-life community is stepping up to make sure sidewalk counselors are available and a mobile pregnancy center unit can be placed near Planned Parenthood.
“Project Defending Life and our ministry Women’s Pregnancy Options is deeply trouble by today’s events,” said Dominique Davis, director of Client Services for Women’s Pregnancy Option. “We are extremely grateful that no one was hurt. While this intentional evil act was meant to scare us and inhibit us from doing our work, those who committed this crime can be assured it has not. There are still many women in need of assistance and support, not including the 15 women we are currently helping with housing, job placement, and parenting support. While our building may be finished, we are not, and we will find another place to set up.”
“Thank you everyone for your prayers and generosity. The magnitude of helping hands and kind words show how much our community really cares and that is the most meaningful of it all.”
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This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
Updated at 1:58pm ET to include quote from Dominique Davis and donation link.
