FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2021
Contact: Joaquin Romero
(505) 506-5798
New Mexico Senate Votes to Repeal Abortion Law
Senate Republicans Respond
SANTA FE – Following a lengthy debate in which Senate Democrats refused to answer questions from Republican members, the Senate today voted to repeal New Mexico’s abortion law. Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Democratic Senator Linda Lopez (District 11-Bernalillo), strikes an entire section of law that among other things protects medical professionals from being forced to participate in abortions and requires that abortions be performed by licensed physicians, using safe medical procedures. All fifteen Senate Republicans and two Democrats voted against the legislation.
“Today, Senate Democrats who want to codify a 48-year-old decision from the Supreme Court lectured us about the outdated nature of New Mexico’s abortion law,” said Senator Crystal Diamond (District 35-Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra). “Their rejection of our common sense recommendations prove this had nothing to do with correcting archaic language or protecting women. This bill was about giving the multi-million dollar abortion industry freedom to operate unchecked in our state, thereby jeopardizing the health and well-being of New Mexico women and children.”
Senate Republicans, led by Senator Diamond and Senator William Sharer (District 1-San Juan), introduced several amendments and substitutes in an effort to preserve vital components of the law, including healthcare protections for women and conscience protections for medical professionals. All amendments were soundly rejected by the Democratic-led chamber.
“This is truly a sad day for our state,” added Senator Sharer. “In addition to sending a message that unborn children’s lives do not matter, we are weakening standards of care for women and repealing the only abortion-related conscience clause we have. Nevertheless, Senate Democrats refused to answer our questions and ultimately prevailed in getting exactly what they wanted all along – unrestricted, elective abortion on demand, up to the moment of birth.”
Senate Bill 10 passed the Senate on a 25-17 vote. The bill will now advance to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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