The Supreme Court of New Mexico has unanimously struck down restrictive abortion access policies enacted by several local counties. The decision reaffirms the state’s stance as one of the most progressive in the nation regarding reproductive rights, despite its history of criminalizing abortion for more than 57 years.
Justice C. Shannon Bacon, delivering the court’s opinion, stated that the ordinances in question violated state laws and interfered with the legislature’s authority to regulate access to reproductive healthcare. The ruling underscores that such local measures conflict with New Mexico’s broader legal framework supporting abortion rights.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham celebrated the decision, applauding the justices for upholding what she called “individual freedom and reproductive rights.” She reiterated her commitment to defending access to reproductive healthcare in New Mexico, positioning the state as a refuge amid increasing restrictions in other parts of the country.
The now-invalidated county ordinances, primarily near Texas, sought to prohibit the mailing and receipt of abortion-related materials, including abortion pills. This reflects the influence of Texas’ strict abortion laws, which have fueled opposition in neighboring New Mexico’s conservative regions.
This ruling comes at a critical time, as reproductive rights face significant challenges nationwide. Several states have enacted or are pursuing strict abortion bans following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.
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Litigation over abortion rights continues to escalate. In Arizona, advocacy groups are challenging a statewide abortion ban, while in Texas, the attorney general has sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a Texan resident.
President-elect Donald Trump has maintained a firm anti-abortion stance, initially supporting a federal 15-week ban before signaling a preference for leaving abortion legislation to individual states. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s decision highlights its commitment to preserving reproductive rights amidst the shifting national landscape.
