BREAKING: APD Officer Holets Honored at Angels on Earth Day at Legislature, Holets' day highlighted Pro-Adoption, Pro-Life Stories

Yesterday, the New Mexico State House passed House Memorial 57, "Angels on Earth" Day honoring Albuquerque Police Department Officer Ryan Holets, sponsored by representatives Rebecca Dow (R - Grant, Hidalgo, Sierra) and Tim Lewis (R - Bernalillo). Officer Holets, along with a handful of Albuquerque Police Department Officers and representatives from pro-life organizations across the state, were guests on the House Floor in order to bring awareness to alternatives to abortion, adoption, and addiction for women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies.

"People have asked why I went out of my way to help Tom and Crystal, Hope's parents. They have value," said Officer Ryan Holets in a press conference Tuesday morning. "I was affected by Crystal and her love for Hope before she was born. One of the most powerful statements Crystal made to me was that she believes she has a choice, but she still could not bring herself to end the life of her baby because she loved her and that is the reason she continued with her pregnancy."

New Mexico Alliance for Life along with pro-life partners including CareNet Pregnancy Centers, Alongside Ministries, the Zoe Project and others shared pro-life, addiction and adoption testimonials.

"Despite rude and distracting behavior from some House Democrats, including pro-abortion Speaker Brian Egolf, trying to shut down testimonials, "Angels on Earth" Day brought a positive presence to what is sometimes a very dark place," said Elisa Martinez, NMAFL executive director. "Many of the Democrats who fight to keep abortion legal for babies like Hope--who very well could have been a late-term abortion statistic, were barely able to acknowledge Officer Holets, a national hero, and champion for pro-life and pro-love choices."
"Angels on Earth" Day brought a positive presence to what is sometimes a very dark place, said Elisa Martinez NMAFL Exec. Director. "Many of the Democrats who fight to keep abortion legal for babies like Hope--who very well could have been a late-term abortion statistic, were barely able to acknowledge Officer Holets, a national hero, and champion for pro-life and pro-love choices."

In New Mexico, abortion is legal throughout all 9 months of pregnancy and often mothers like Crystal, who was 8 months along with baby Hope, are pressured to abort their child.  Southwestern Women's Options in Albuquerque, does abortions well past 27 weeks on a "case by case basis."

Left above: Officer Ryan Holets with baby Kaydence                       
Right above:  "Angels on Earth" press conference 
Left below: Martinez with Officer Ryan Holets                                  
Right below: Adopted and foster children highlighted 

While on the House Floor, a testimony was read on behalf of Officer Holets by Rep. Rebecca Dow, "Because of Crystal's brave decision, Hope has a bright future and a wonderful life to live. Instead of being a nameless statistic of an ended pregnancy, her beautiful face brings joy each day to those around her. Hope is living proof that adoption saves lives."

Throughout the time Officer Holets was honored on the House floor, House Democrats were disrespectfully conversing loudly or were not even present.

Left: Rep. Rick Little reads Roberta Cheek, Santa Fe CareNet Director testimony
Right: Adoptive parents Patrick Garr, Michelle Garr, Dee Jones, Jessica Tibbits, and baby Leila.

Other legislators from the Republican House Caucus honored "Angels on Earth" from their own communities. Representative Larry Larranaga (R- Bernalillo) spoke on behalf of his guest Kaydence West Bero, a lively 2 year old who was born with Down Syndrome.  "Kaydence had to undergo heart surgery and intestinal surgery shortly after birth," said Larranaga. "Kaydence is one of the lucky ones, because 85% of all Down Syndrome babies are aborted, simply because they are termed disabled. What a tragedy. I stand here to speak for them."

Rep. Bob Wooley (R-Lea) introduced Carolyn and Mike Hardwick who chose life for their daughter after OB/GYNs and healthcare professionals informed them their baby would not survive and recommended pregnancy termination. Today the daughter they chose to keep is 36 years old, holds a master's degree and has children of her own.

"It is a shame that our society does not have more individuals like Officer Ryan Holets and others who were introduced by legislators here today," said Rep. Greg Nibert (R- Chaves, Lincoln).

Albuquerque Police Department Officer Ryan Holets and his wife, Rebecca, adopted baby Hope from a homeless Albuquerque woman addicted to opioids. The birth mother, Crystal Champ refers to Officer Holets as her "angel on earth." After receiving national attention for his heroic actions, Officer Holets and his family attended the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., as guests of the First Lady last week. The Holets' mission is to help change the country's view of those trapped in the grips of addiction and homelessness.