The New Mexico Supreme Court has delivered a unanimous decision in the case of State of New Mexico v. Board of County Commissioners for Lea County, affirming reproductive rights and constitutional principles. The case involved anti-abortion laws enacted in Lea and Roosevelt counties, as well as the cities of Hobbs and Clovis. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez challenged these laws on constitutional grounds.
The court's ruling also considered House Bill 7, The Reproductive Health Care Freedom Act, which prevents public bodies from denying or restricting access to reproductive or gender-affirming care.
This decision is seen as a significant victory for reproductive rights across the state. Laura Wight, Co-Founder of Eastern New Mexico Rising, expressed gratitude to the court and Attorney General Torrez: "Eastern New Mexico Rising applauds the New Mexico Supreme Court for their unwavering affirmation that abortion as healthcare is protected in New Mexico... We also wish to extend sincere thanks to New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez for his steadfast determination to ensure all citizens of New Mexico are protected equally under the law."
Wendolyne Omaña from Tewa Women United commended the decision: "Tewa Women United believes that every person has the right to make reproductive healthcare decisions... We commend the New Mexico Supreme Court's decision to protect these rights for all New Mexicans."
Organizations such as Eastern New Mexico Rising, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, and ACLU of New Mexico contributed amicus briefs supporting this outcome. Marshall Martinez from Equality New Mexico praised the ruling: “On behalf of LGBTQ New Mexicans in all 33 counties, we applaud the Court's decision to protect access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.”
Jazmyn Taitingfong from ACLU of New Mexico emphasized: "The New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed today what we already know to be true: ... Abortion bans do nothing to protect anyone’s health or safety."
Adrienne Mansanares from Planned Parenthood remarked on its broader implications: "This historic decision is a victory for reproductive freedom... We applaud the court for standing firm in protecting the rights of New Mexicans."
New Mexico continues its commitment to upholding reproductive health rights and justice statewide.