HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS
Legislation to repeal New Mexico’s antiquated abortion ban cleared another hurdle in the House of Representatives today, passing the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 7 will now head to the House floor for a full vote.
Sponsored by Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D – Santa Fe), Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (D – Mesilla), Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D – Las Cruces), Rep. Deborah Armstrong (D – Albuquerque) and Rep. Georgene Louis (D – Albuquerque), HB 7 repeals an outdated and dangerous state statute established in 1969. While the ban was made unconstitutional by the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, it could become enforceable again should Roe v. Wade be overturned.
“This outdated law has no place in New Mexico. I know we each can hold our own moral views about abortion, and still trust another person to make these deeply complex, personal decisions for themselves,” said Rep. Cadena. “It’s humbling to have heard from so many New Mexicans, who have shared heartbreaking stories and reminders that every pregnancy is different. We can never walk in another woman’s shoes, and we certainly have no place making these sacred decisions for someone else.”
“Inaccurate depictions of abortions abound, and these misconceptions are highly dangerous to both women and providers,” said Rep. Ferrary. “I am proud to co-sponsor HB 7 to ensure that deeply personal decisions about pregnancy and abortion remain with New Mexicans, their families, and their health care providers.”
“House Bill 7 does not change any policies or regulations currently in-place in New Mexico. It simply repeals the outdated and currently unconstitutional 1969 ban, which is still formally on the books,” said Rep. Armstrong. “This legislation guarantees that no matter what might happen at the federal level, New Mexicans will still have safe, legal access to the reproductive health care they may need.”
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. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.