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Stay informed on the latest news, updates, and events from the Spiritual Defense Coalition of New Mexico. Discover how our coalition is uniting in prayer, raising awareness, and working together to defend innocent human life across our state.
A Settlement Heard Around the World: What Wabbington v. Boyd Means for New Mexico's Unborn
October 7, 2026
The Wabbington v. Boyd settlement is drawing international notice. On October 5, the Catholic news agency ZENIT reported on the case, highlighting a paradox: a child aborted at 26 weeks was treated as a "person" under New Mexico's wrongful death law, even though abortion remains legal in our state. Read the ZENIT report: https://zenit.org/2026/10/05/a-200000-settlement-for-an-aborted-child-raises-a-stark-question-about-legal-personhood/
On September 14, 2026, a Bernalillo County court entered an order settling the case for $200,000 in favor of the child's mother, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Baby Wabbington. The amount includes fees and costs, and the case ended by settlement, not a trial verdict. The complaint alleged that the mother was under the influence of methamphetamine during the 2020 abortion, that clinic staff knew of her drug use, and that she was never told of New Mexico programs for pregnant women facing addiction.
Albuquerque attorney Mike Seibel and Texas attorney Justin Hall filed this case in December 2023 and carried it for nearly three years, representing both a vulnerable mother and her child's estate. Earlier suits of this kind, in Alabama and Arizona, did not succeed on that claim. Mike and Justin achieved what they describe as a first, with skill, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose. They gave a voice to a child who could not speak, and they stood beside a mother whose complaint says she was never given the full picture. Their work was lawful, careful, and courageous, and New Mexico's pro-life community is in their debt. We thank them.
Why does this matter for protecting life? It points to a path built on informed consent for women who were impaired, uninformed, or never offered alternatives. According to Live Action News, the order appointing the estate's representative described the child as a person under the Wrongful Death Act.
Seibel notes the contradiction: an unborn child can be a person for wrongful death, yet abortion remains lawful. ZENIT cautions that a settlement is not a sweeping precedent. Still, it gives us facts to bring to citizens and legislators.
Seibel has invited women who believe they have a similar case to contact AbortionInjury.com. And as Pope Leo XIV told the sick and their caregivers at Lourdes on September 27, speaking about assisted dying, "What is legal is not necessarily moral."
Our Unity Agreement commits us to "defend the unborn through every lawful and moral means available" and to support "life-affirming alternatives that serve women, children, and families." This case pursued the first for a mother who, the complaint says, was denied the second.
Scripture calls us to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8), and Mike and Justin did exactly that. We believe the Lord strengthened their hands, and we trust Him to carry this work forward. May we follow their example and "not grow weary in doing good" (Galatians 6:9).
Today, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, we hold our second Day of Prayer. Pray for the mother, for Baby Wabbington, and for Mike and Justin, their families, and their protection. To God be the glory.
On September 12, pro-life leaders, churches, organizations, families, and individuals across our state will unite in prayer for women, children, families, our communities, and the future of New Mexico.
Different churches.
Different organizations.
Different cities.
One purpose.
And in some communities, people won't just be praying individually—cities across New Mexico are organizing public locations where people can gather and pray together.
If your city already has a public prayer location, we hope you'll join others there.
📍 Las Cruces, NM | Abortion Center Build Site
4391 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88011
📍 Santa Fe, NM | State Capitol Bldg.
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
📍 Albuquerque, NM | New Covenant Church
7200 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
📍 Albuquerque, NM | Our Lady of Annunciation Church
2621 Vermont NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
📍 Farmington, NM | The Journey Church
1901 E. Murray Dr, Farmington, NM 87401
📍 Gallup, NM | City Hall
110 West Aztec Avenue, Gallup, NM 87301
📍 Rio Rancho, NM |Saint John Vianny Church
1001 Meteor Ave.Rio Rancho 87144
📍 Clayton, NM | Clayton Methodist Church and Amistad Church
200 N. 5th Ave, Clayton, NM 88415
📍 Los Lunas, NM | San Clemente Parish
244 Luna Ave NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031