Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act Heads to Governor’s Desk

Bill ensuring statewide access to care clears last legislative hurdle

Santa Fe, NM - Tonight, the House concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 7, the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act, by a vote of 39-29. The legislation now heads to the desk of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to be signed into law.

HB 7 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. 

The bill 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. 

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). 

“All of us deserve to be able to get the health care we need, when we need it – without the fear of persecution or prosecution,” said lead sponsor Rep. Serrato. “Tonight, we are one step closer to making sure New Mexico stands up for our core values of respect, understanding, and community by protecting access to lifesaving reproductive and gender affirming care in every corner of our state.”

House Bill 7 is also co-sponsored by Reps. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque). 

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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