BY SAM LEDOUX
Espanola
Editor’s note: Sam LeDoux is an Española City Councilor and former Chairman of the Republican Party of Santa Fe County.
A few weeks ago, I found out that I am going to become a father. Like any major life event, it has made me reflect deeply on what I believe and what kind of world I want my child to grow up in.
Being pro-life is important to me. My Catholic faith has taught me the importance of the sanctity of life and the responsibility we have to protect and support the most vulnerable among us. But as I prepare for this new chapter in my life, I cannot help but notice how hostile many of our public and social spaces have become toward children and families.
It feels like the world I grew up in was more accommodating to parents than the one we live in today. While abortion remains a major issue in our society, I believe one of the most meaningful ways to reduce abortion is by removing the friction, fear, and obstacles that come with raising a child.
I think about a social experiment I saw on TikTok some time ago. A woman in Kentucky called several local churches asking for help finding baby formula, and very few were able to assist her. It was heartbreaking to watch, but for many families and communities, that is the reality. Too often, people say they support life, but families in crisis still struggle to find the practical help they need.
The good news is that there are solutions, and I am proud to say that I see many of them right here in the Española Valley. From baby boxes at the Española Fire Department to the Española Public Library installing diaper-changing stations in its bathrooms, our community has recognized the need to fight for our babies in real, practical ways.
Our faith communities are also doing incredible work. I recently attended a church service at New Hope Family Worship Center, where the entire congregation came together to support a family that had adopted a child born with addiction here in the Valley. I have also seen how McCurdy Ministries, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, has brought together resources from local nonprofits through its casitas to make life a little easier for families in need.
These efforts may seem simple, but they can make a real difference in the lives of parents. As someone who is pro-life, I believe we need to focus more of our policy and community efforts on making parenting easier, making public spaces more welcoming to children, and building a culture that truly supports families.
Only focusing on abortion limits our ability to understand why many women seek that option in the first place. If we want to be serious about protecting life, we must also be serious about supporting mothers, fathers, children, and families after a child is born.
We also cannot expect the government to do all of the work. Communities, churches, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. Simple things like installing more diaper-changing stations, providing lactation spaces, offering baby supplies, or simply choosing not to complain when a baby cries in public can make a world of difference.
If we truly believe in the sanctity of life, then we must build a society where choosing life is met not with isolation, judgment, or unnecessary hardship, but with support, compassion, and community.