Senate Republicans Condemn Senate Passage of House Bill 7
Parental Involvement and Conscience Protection Amendments Rejected
SANTA FE – Today, the Senate passed House Bill 7 on a 23-15 vote with all Republicans voting against the measure. The bill seeks to override any current and future attempts to restrict abortion at the local level. The bill also enshrines “gender-affirming” care in law and would coerce all public bodies and persons acting on behalf of public bodies to facilitate requests for abortions and gender transitions.
During the debate, Senate Republicans introduced several amendments that were all rejected, including protections for babies who survive abortions; requiring ultrasounds for women; protecting conscience-based decisions for medical professionals; and requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions or gender transition procedures.
“The progressives of the legislature have no interest in doing what is right,” said Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington). “Senate Republicans introduced simple amendments that would have taken into consideration what is just and what is legal. Instead of hearing our many concerns, they instead enacted a problematic and legally questionable bill into law at the behest of the radical left.”
The bill would also prohibit public bodies that facilitate abortions or gender transitions from consulting with the parents of a minor requesting these services.
“Our future is entirely invested in the very thing this bill attacks—the family,” said Senator Crystal Diamond (R-Elephant Butte). “Unplanned pregnancies and gender dysphoria are some of the most difficult things a child could face. To keep the parents in the dark on these difficult situations is the greatest disservice to that struggling child we could make."
House Bill 7 will now return to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
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