Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
SANTA FE – As expected, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday signed into law Senate Bill 10, repealing a 1969 state statute that criminalized abortion.
“A woman has the right to make decisions about her own body,” the governor said in a news release.
“Anyone who seeks to violate bodily integrity, or to criminalize womanhood, is in the business of dehumanization. New Mexico is not in that business – not any more.”
Republicans had argued strongly against the bill, proposing multiple amendments, including attempts to ban abortions after 20 or 35 weeks of pregnancy.
Republicans also had argued that repealing the 1969 abortion law that criminalizes abortion in most cases would cause an exodus of New Mexico healthcare workers.
“It leaves no choice to our doctors,” said Sen. Crystal Diamond, R-Elephant Butte, who described it as a “no-choice” bill.
But Democrats in the House and Senate argued for “safe access to abortion” and said abortion is a personal healthcare decision, not one for government to determine.
“New Mexico is a state where we respect women and protect their autonomy,” said Speaker of the House Brian Egolf. “I am glad that this fight … has been won and look forward to further expanding access to all forms of healthcare.”