House Passes Protections for Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care
Legislation ensuring statewide access to care will now head to the Senate
Santa Fe, NM - House Bill 7, the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act, passed the House of Representatives tonight on a 38-31 vote. The legislation protects access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care across New Mexico by prohibiting public bodies (including counties and local municipalities) from denying, restricting, or discriminating against an individual’s right to care.
Bill sponsors include Representatives Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque), and Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe). The legislation comes on the heels of politically-motivated efforts in some New Mexico cities and counties to restrict local access to reproductive health care, and similar efforts in other states attacking gender-affirming care.
“As a parent and as a state lawmaker, I want to make sure all New Mexicans can receive the care they need, without fear of persecution or prosecution,” said lead sponsor Rep. Serrato. “The Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act will help New Mexico continue to live up to our core values of respect, understanding, and community.”
“Everyone - no matter where they live in our state - deserves to make their own decisions about if, when, and how to grow their families,” said Rep. Little. “This bill will ensure that our state remains a safe haven for all individuals and families seeking reproductive health care.”
“Gender-affirming care is suicide-prevention,” said Rep. Ortez. “Having access to this health care is an influential factor in the health, safety and life-expectancy of trans and non-binary individuals.”
“During pregnancy, complications can have life-changing consequences or quickly turn fatal,” said Rep. Anyanonu. “The Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act will ensure that all people in all of our communities can access health care when they need it most.”
“Protecting access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care is essential to the well-being of our families and communities,” said Whip Szczepanski. “HB 7 will also make sure trans and non-binary New Mexicans can receive the support and care they need to succeed in school, establish healthy relationships, and to live authentically as themselves.”
House Bill 7 is also sponsored by Reps. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque). The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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