NM House Democrats News:
SANTA FE – Senate Bill 10, repealing New Mexico’s abortion ban, has passed the House Judiciary Committee and will now come to a full vote on the House floor. After passing the Senate last week, this legislation is now only one step away from the Governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 10 is sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), as well as Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Mesilla), Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe), Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), Rep. Deborah Armstrong (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Georgene Louis (D-Albuquerque).
“Just like its mirror bill, House Bill 7, Senate Bill 10 is a straightforward repeal of 1969 statutes that were designed to keep people from accessing the abortion care that they may need in their lives,” Rep. Cadena said. “This legislation would simply remove the outdated and dangerous statutes, which criminalize health care providers and put the health of women and pregnant people at risk.”
“New Mexico’s outdated abortion statute aims to restrict access to safe and quality health care,” Speaker Egolf said. “Keeping reproductive health care legal ensures safety and regulation, and this bill makes sure that these services remain available to New Mexicans no matter what happens in Washington.”
“Women deserve to make their own health care decisions without fear or penalty, and without politics interfering,” Rep. Ferrary said.
“All New Mexicans deserve health care that’s personalized to their individual situation. This is especially true of pregnancies, where each situation is highly unique,” Rep. Armstrong said. “Reproductive health care decisions are deeply personal, and should be kept between a woman, her family, and her medical provider.”
“In New Mexico, we respect our unique cultures, faiths, and each other. New Mexicans understand that you can maintain your personal feelings about abortion, and still trust others to make their own decisions about what’s best for their family,” Rep. Louis said. “When women do not have safe and legal access to health care, it puts families, healthcare providers, and entire communities at risk.”
Senate Bill 10 passed the House Judiciary Committee with an 8-4 vote and will be heard next on the House Floor.
New Mexico’s 1969 abortion ban became unenforceable following the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision; however, it is still in New Mexico state statute. SB10 and HB 7 are repeals of this ban, ensuring that these dangerous restrictions on reproductive health care will not be enforced in New Mexico should Roe v. Wade be overturned by a future Supreme Court.
Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings.
