Women's March set Saturday in Portales

In its continued mission to provide reproductive freedom for women and advocate for diversity, Eastern New Mexico Rising is supporting a Women’s March on Saturday organized by the Democratic Party of Portales in front of the Roosevelt County Courthouse.

Victoria Robledo said Eastern New Mexico Rising is one of many organizations across the country participating in the annual woman-led movement. She said the march originated in 2022 when Roe v. Wade was overturned.

“This place (Clovis and Portales) is a conservative heaven, where a lot of people are anti-choice. But women’s rights isn’t a partisan issue and that shows with the people who show up in these marches,” Robledo said.

The march will advocate for women’s healthcare, including the right to have comprehensive care, to make informed decisions and the constitutional right to free movement between states, Robledo said. A couple of hundred individuals have signed up to be a part of the march, she said.

“There comes a time where you have to think if it’s not me then who? And if not now, then when?” Robledo said.

Robledo said advocacy for women’s rights to healthcare didn’t end two years ago; there are still activists and organizers who are engaging with their local communities through events such as this one, outreach programs and education.

Robledo said support for the movement has only grown. She said this is not just a women’s issue, this is an everyone issue.

“It’s an all-of-us issue. When we start to filter healthcare based on beliefs, that limits healthcare in general for everyone,” Robledo said.

She said limiting medical practices will not encourage doctors or other medical professionals to move to eastern New Mexico; if anything it will deter them.

She said Eastern New Mexico Rising has given people a safe haven to express their concerns and advocate for their rights. Robledo said even individuals who are scared to be in the spotlight have voiced their gratitude to the organization.

“It’s easy to feel powerless when you’re only one person. But as a group we can find strength,” Robledo said.