Univ. of New Mexico To Buy Las Vegas Hospital for Abortion Expansion Agenda

New Mexico Alliance for Life (NMAFL) says it has uncovered another development involving taxpayer-funded reproductive health services in New Mexico.

Earlier this month, NMAFL reported that the University of New Mexico Medical Group and state officials had identified Las Vegas, New Mexico, as a potential location for a second publicly funded reproductive health center in northern New Mexico.

NMAFL now says UNM has been in discussions regarding the possible purchase of Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas. According to the organization, such a purchase could involve state appropriations designated for reproductive and rural health care services.

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“If the UNM Board of Regents proceeds with authorizing the purchase of Alta Vista Hospital using the $10 million re-authorization appropriation passed in the 2026 legislature, by statute, they would have to include abortion procedures,” said Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life.

Martinez said NMAFL has spoken with State Rep. Anita Gonzales and other state and local officials regarding discussions between UNM and Alta Vista Hospital.

According to NMAFL, the potential purchase could involve a $10 million appropriation connected to a reproductive health center in northern New Mexico as well as a $15 million appropriation for rural health care in San Miguel County. Both appropriations were approved during New Mexico’s 2026 legislative session.

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NMAFL is asking supporters who oppose taxpayer funding for abortion services to contribute to its efforts.

LOCAL CONCERNS

Some local residents and medical professionals have also expressed opposition to abortion services being included at the facility.

Vicki Snider, Executive Director of Las Vegas Care Net, stated:

“Las Vegas area residents have a great need for access to legitimate health care services including OBGYN, prenatal care, and whole women’s care that does not include killing innocent human beings. I personally know of two medical professionals who were approached by UNM — one was asked to perform abortions — and both flatly refused to work in a facility that would kill innocent babies.”

NMAFL’S CONCERNS ABOUT EXPANSION

NMAFL argues that the proposed development is part of a broader strategy to incorporate abortion services into comprehensive reproductive health facilities rather than operating them exclusively through stand-alone clinics.

The organization has raised similar concerns regarding a UNM-run reproductive health center under development in Las Cruces and says it intends to continue monitoring how state funding is used for reproductive health facilities across New Mexico.

WHAT SUPPORTERS CAN DO

NMAFL is encouraging people who share its position to contact officials involved in the process.

The organization says the UNM Board of Regents serves as the fiscal agent for property acquisitions associated with these projects and that it will notify supporters if an upcoming vote concerning the Las Vegas facility is scheduled.

Supporters may contact officials and express their own views regarding maternal health care, rural health services, abortion services, and the possible acquisition of Alta Vista Regional Hospital.

UNM Board of Regents
Email: regents@unm.edu
Phone: (505) 277-7639

Sen. Pete Campos
Email: pete.campos@nmlegis.gov
Phone: (505) 986-4267

Alta Vista Regional Hospital Administration
CEO Helen Ballantyne: HELEN.BALLANTYNE@ALTAVISTARH.ORG
Administration: (505) 426-3930

NMAFL encourages supporters to stay informed as the situation develops and to make their views known to the officials involved.

In solidarity for life,

Elisa Martinez
Executive Director
New Mexico Alliance for Life (NMAFL)