Protections for Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care Advance Through House
HB 7 prohibits counties or municipalities from restricting access to care
Santa Fe, NM - House Bill 7, the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act, passed the House Health and Human Services Committee today by a vote of 7-3. The legislation would protect 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.
“Everyone deserves access to lifesaving healthcare and to make their own decisions about if, when, and how to grow their families,” said lead sponsor Representative Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe). “House Bill 7 safeguards New Mexicans’ fundamental right to the health care they need by preventing politically-motivated efforts to restrict access to reproductive or gender-affirming care.”
This bill comes on the heels of politically-motivated efforts by some cities and counties in New Mexico and throughout the country to restrict access to reproductive health care at the local level.
“New Mexico has been at the forefront of safeguarding reproductive freedom and access to vital health care. The Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act builds on that work so that all New Mexicans can get the care they need, regardless of where they live,” said Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe).
The Health Care Freedom Act is sponsored by Reps. Serrato, Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque), and Whip Szczepanski. It now moves to the House Judiciary Committee.
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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