Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care Protection Act Headed to Governor
Codifies Governor’s executive order protecting the privacy of providers & patients
Santa Fe, NM- Today, the House passed Senate Bill 13, which would protect confidential health care information related to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, by a vote of 38-30.
The bill would codify Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order from 2022 to protect providers of reproductive care or gender-affirming care from civil or criminal liability in other states and discrimination from the licensing boards of their specialties. It would also protect patients seeking abortion care and gender-affirming health care from prosecution by other states. Additionally, it would protect the privacy of patients and providers from out-of-state individuals seeking their personal information.
“In New Mexico, we know reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare is essential. Inside the borders of our home state, we are safe from out-of-state threats when we are seeking life-saving care,” said Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe). “Senate Bill 13 ensures patients and providers can make complicated healthcare without fear, and that we remain a state where we put people, their families, and their health decisions first.”
“People seeking necessary health care in New Mexico, as well as the providers delivering that care, need to know that they can do so safely and freely,” said Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). “This bill makes clear that New Mexico will remain a safe space for those needing reproductive or gender-affirming care, both while in our state and after returning to wherever they may call home.”
Senate Bill 13 has 15 sponsors, led by Senator Linda M. Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Serrato. It now goes to the Governor to be signed into law.
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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