Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNM HSC) and Southwestern Women's Options (SWO) are under criminal investigation by the FBI. In a letter to Congressman Steve Pearce dated December 7th, the DOJ said, "We can confirm that the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI Headquarters has received this information, including the two referrals made to the New Mexico Attorney General regarding practices of the UNM HSC and SWO, and sent the materials to the relevant FBI field offices for review and any action deemed appropriate.

The federal action on this referral is a result of our investigations, work with the Select Panel on Infant Lives and partnership with Congressmen Blackburn and Pearce. Read more below. 
 
Earlier reports indicated that only Planned Parenthood was under investigation by the FBI. Late Friday afternoon, Congressmen Marsha Blackburn and Steve Pearce received confirmation from the DOJ that all fifteen criminal referrals sent out by the Congressional Select Panel on Infant Lives are being investigated by the FBI. 
 
"We are thankful that the findings from our work with the Select Panel on Infant Lives are now being investigated by the Department of Justice before the statute of limitations runs out," said Elisa Martinez Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life. "These are serious violations of the law where baby body parts were treated like commodities, women were deceived for years and nobody has held the abortion industry accountable, including New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas. It's time for women, babies, and taxpayers to receive some justice and lawbreakers to be held accountable, whether they are abortionists, researchers or university officials, no one is above the law."   
 
In a statement, Congressman Steve Pearce said, "I applaud today's action by Attorney General Jeff Session to take up the criminal referrals in New Mexico regarding violations made by the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the Southwestern Women's Options (SWO)."  
 
Last month U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was asked about these criminal referrals under FBI investigation and stated, "Verifying the findings of the Congress could provide a basis for charges." 

                                                                                                                                
Background 
 
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas received 1st criminal referral on June 23, 2015. Balderas received 2nd criminal referral on Dec. 21, 2015. Federal prosecutors cite "systemic violations" of law between UNM HSC and SWO in both referrals. Balderas has not contacted victim cited in 2nd criminal referral, Jessica Duran and others. Criminal claims will continue to expire, over 100 claims have already, due to the statute of limitations to prosecute until Balderas issues a criminal complaint. Expiring claims include the illegal harvesting of eyes, brains, hearts, and even skin from aborted infants 16 weeks gestation through 22 weeks.
 
Despite overwhelming evidence in his possession since last year, including an admission of guilt from SWO abortionist, Balderas has yet to file a criminal complaint (indictment). Read more.  

"This is a huge step that we hope will result in prosecutions for those who broke the law and bring justice for the women who have been abused and hurt and the children whose lives were ended," said Elisa Martinez, NMAFL executive director. 
 
We couldn't have made this progress without you-- please share this information with others. Remember us in your end of year gifts. Make a secure, online donation today. Donate here.