Abortion is Still Legal/Protected in New Mexico.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Albuquerque, NM - The Supreme Court of the United States issued a shameful ruling today overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision recognizing the right to abortion nearly 50 years ago. Today’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization will allow extremist politicians to ban abortion in states across the country.
Abortion care will remain protected in New Mexico because of decades-long work by advocates to ensure access throughout the state, including repealing an old abortion ban still on the books in 2021. Abortion remains legal in New Mexico today and for the foreseeable future.
The effects of the Supreme Court’s decision will be immediate and far-reaching. Stripping away access to essential health care has devastating consequences, including enduring serious health risks from continued pregnancy and childbirth. If abortion is banned nationally, pregnancy-related deaths are estimated to increase by 21 percent nationwide, and 33 percent among Black women who already face a severe maternal mortality crisis.
“Every person deserves the dignity and respect to decide what is best for them and their families,” said ACLU of New Mexico Policy Director Nayomi Valdez. “This extreme ruling will disproportionately impact people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, young people, people with low incomes, and those living in rural areas across the country, especially those who can’t afford to travel to states where their rights are still protected.”
Already half the states in the country are expected to ultimately ban abortion, denying 36 million people the fundamental right to decide for themselves whether and when to become a parent. We know they won’t stop here; anti-abortion extremists have made it clear that they will work to ban abortion nationwide. In the face of this apalling attack on bodily autonomy, the ACLU of New Mexico is working with partners and lawmakers to ensure we do everything we can to protect and expand access to abortion and that everyone can make their own health care decisions about their bodies and futures.
“Access to abortion touches everyone’s lives and there will always be a need for safe care. Abortion remains legal and safe in New Mexico ,” said ACLU of New Mexico Reproductive Rights Attorney Ellie Rushforth. “New Mexicans will continue to stand firm in our values of respect and compassion. This ruling from the Supreme Court is a disastrous attack on reproductive freedom but we have the power to fight back by protesting in the streets, advocating at the Roundhouse, and voting at the ballot box. We will continue fighting until everyone can get the health care they need, including abortion, and envision a world beyond political interference in our most intimate decisions.”
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