On Friday, at the Students for Life of America conference in the Washington, D.C., area, the Students for Life group at the University of New Mexico was recognized for its commitment to helping build a culture of life. They are on the forefront of the Students for Life Pregnant on Campus initiative (mentioned here and here). Below is a Q&A with Sade Patterson, a young mother and leader in the group.

Q: What is it that is so special about your Students for Life group?

A: Students for Life UNM is different from others for the reason that we represent the pro-life community in Albuquerque, N.M. — the late-term abortion capitol. In a state where abortions are legal through the entire pregnancy, we are on a mission to lower the demand of abortions by supporting and assisting pregnant students in need.

Q: What prompted you all to open your campus pregnancy center on campus?

A: The University of New Mexico, like any college campus is in close proximity to abortion clinics such as Planned Parenthood, UNM Center-Reproductive Health, and the late-term clinic, Southwestern Women’s Options. It is important for us to be a light in this community of darkness for students that are bombarded with the pressure of “safe” abortion if they find themselves pregnant. Even on campus women are being guided to places like Planned Parenthood through the Women’s Resource Center. We want to be a presence on campus like everyone else, but with a different mission.

Q: What did that look like practically speaking? Was there enthusiasm? Opposition?

A: We have both support and opposition on campus as a group. For those who appreciate our peaceful and educational displays-we are welcomed. However, on a liberal campus, many don’t see us as a group that loves to serves women, but as a radical anti-women group.

Q: What is your group’s main mission, goal?

A: We are empowering women of all ages to know that you can be a mother and continue your education! Instead of telling women what choice to make we are providing them with information about safe and healthy choices they can make instead, and hopefully lower the demand of abortion.

Q: Has anything surprised you?

A: Yes! I am surprised at how many supporters we have had in the past at our displays! It’s refreshing to know that somewhere hidden in the crowds there are people who value life just like we do. What surprises me more is how many students do not know that in our state abortion is legal through the entire pregnancy.

Q: What’s been toughest?

A: I cannot speak for everyone, but the toughest situation I have faced was very recently when we were not able to save the life of a 30-week-old baby. We were contacted by the mother of a 20-year-old college student, who was flying from the U.K. with her father to receive an abortion at nearly eight months. We tried everything: personal e-mails, visiting her hotel just to be threatened by her father, and finally trying to talk to her at the clinic before her abortion. In the end it was her choice and we knew she was being pressured by her father. All we can do is continue to pray for her family and be hopeful that she will find healing.

Q: What is it like being pregnant on campus?

A: When I was pregnant on campus I was surprised at how little resources there were – outside of our group – for me. There are no policies for pregnant women in regards to taking exams early/late, parking, transportation, maternity leave, etc. Thankfully I had understanding professors, but had I not – I would have had to take my finals the day after I delivered my baby!

Q: What do young women who find themselves pregnant on campus need most?

A: Support. Abortion is something that mostly every student and family member considers first. According to Why Pro-Life? by Randy Alcorn, two-thirds of Americans who seek abortions are associated with a Christian affiliation. Support is what is lacking when women are running to or being rushed to abortion clinics. Women need to know that if they are going to become mothers, they will have anything they need whether it’s financial assistance for an encouraging friend, who will love them through anything.

Q: Being a young mom, does the March for Life take on an added significance?

A: Yes! I am so excited to be a part of this amazing event! My husband and I will brought our six week-old baby boy to Washington, D.C. I am more motivated now as a mother than I was before. I look at him, and I see so much life and innocence. I will spend the rest of my life standing up for these children until their voice is finally heard.

Q: What surprised/surprises you most about motherhood?

A: Motherhood is the most beautiful gift I have apart from the salvation I have though Christ. I am surprised at how natural it is to step into this journey. I had so many doubts and fears, but every day is a new lesson. Yes, it is hard to be a mother, a full-time student, work, and still have time for things I love to do, but it is also empowering to know that I am capable and strong enough to do this. I have had so much support through Students for Life UNM and I am so honored to give other women the same support!