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Thursday, January 9, 2025: Today marks a pivotal moment for the pro-life movement as the New Mexico Supreme Court delivered a unanimous ruling against local pro-life ordinances, a decision that reverberates throughout our communities and underscores the urgent need for continued advocacy. In declaring that municipalities and counties lack the authority to regulate “health care access” in accordance with the 2023 Reproductive Health and Gender Affirming Act, the court has emphasized the primacy of state legislation over local governance in matters of elective abortion.
Justice Shannon Bacon’s opinion weighs on tension between state and local powers: “Our Legislature granted to counties and municipalities all powers and duties not inconsistent with the laws of New Mexico,” Justice Shannon Bacon wrote in her opinion. “The ordinances violate this core precept and invade the Legislature’s authority to regulate access to and provision of reproductive health care.”
The court declined to consider the radical propositions put forth by Attorney General Raul Torrez, who sought for the court to embed a constitutional right to abortion within New Mexico’s framework, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges we face.
“The recent ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court against pro-life ordinances, was anticipated given the court’s composition and the significant sway of the abortion lobby in our state,” said Elisa Martinez, executive director of The New Mexico Alliance for Life. “The court wisely refrained from overstepping its boundaries by misinterpreting the New Mexico constitution as guaranteeing a right to elective abortion. This decision, although not in favor of pro-life ordinances, highlights the importance of our ongoing fight for life and actual reproductive health choices for women, along with the need for clarity from the United States Supreme Court on the enforcement of federal law.”
Alliance Defending Freedom represented New Mexico Alliance, along with other pro-life organizations and Roosevelt County in this important case. Erin Hawley, ADF Senior Counsel issued the following statement: Roosevelt County and other New Mexico localities should be able to enforce ordinances that comply with federal law and protect the lives of their citizens. While the court’s ruling only makes it less safe for pregnant women and their unborn children in New Mexico, we’re grateful that the New Mexico Supreme Court did not abandon common sense and find a so-called “right” to abortion in the state constitution. Thankfully, the pro-life movement will never stop working to provide life-affirming care for women and children that recognizes the inherent beauty and worth of every single life.
Read more here from the Associated Press.
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As we reflect in this season of gratitude and giving, we’re thankful for every gift we receive. You can help us continue our life-saving work: donate $500, $250, $50 or more here today.
Stay tuned for more updates next week! Mark your calendars for the 2025 Sanctity of Life Day in Santa Fe on January 28, 2025. More information forthcoming.
We pray in this season of giving that we can all do our part to defend the most innocent, to empower mothers and fathers facing an unexpected pregnancy to choose life, and to build a culture of life and love across New Mexico!
In a previous report, we shared the real tragedy of abortion: how the vast majority of women (73.8%) feel pressured into making an abortion decision–despite their own best interests. Women should not have to stand alone in choosing life. This is why the pro-life community must continue to push back on the false narrative that abortion is the only option for women facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Partner with New Mexico Alliance for Life today, so we can continue our work of shedding a light on the dark side of the abortion industry. You can also mail your gift to:New Mexico Alliance for Life
1933 San Mateo Blvd NE, #122
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Now, more than ever, LIFE is under attack. In fact, New Mexico has experienced the greatest increase in abortion rates than any other state, a 220% increase! This is why your generous gift in the season of giving is needed–now more than ever.
Wishing you and your families blessings in the New Year!
Elisa Martinez
Founder and Executive Director
New Mexico Alliance for Life
