Too often in New Mexico, women facing unexpected pregnancies feel trapped—pushed toward abortion not because it’s their first choice, but because they believe it’s their only option. Financial struggles, lack of child care, and unstable relationships leave many feeling alone and unsupported.
House Bill 578, the Every Mother Matters Act, aims to change that. This legislation provides tangible support to pregnant women, ensuring they are never forced to choose abortion due to a lack of resources. HB 578 is not about restrictions—it’s about expanding opportunities, providing hope, and ensuring every woman knows she is not alone.
At the heart of HB 578 is the Pregnancy Launch Program, a statewide initiative connecting pregnant women with prenatal care, child care assistance, housing support, addiction recovery services, and counseling. The bill requires health care providers to inform women considering abortion about these services—ensuring they have the full picture before making an irreversible decision.
This approach is compassionate and effective. Studies show 75% of women seeking abortion would prefer to parent if their circumstances were different. Yet, the abortion industry has no financial incentive to inform them of alternatives. HB 578 fills this gap, offering real help and real choices.
New Mexico has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the country, yet little infrastructure to support women who want to keep their babies. This bill doesn’t restrict abortion—it simply provides an alternative. If we believe in a woman’s right to choose, she should be fully aware of every option.
Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee have implemented similar programs with remarkable results.
In Texas, a comparable initiative helped over 10,000 women in two years, with one-third choosing to continue their pregnancies after receiving support. Arkansas’ program includes a hotline connecting women to immediate financial, medical, and social resources. Thousands have opted for help.
These programs reduce abortion rates without banning abortion—simply by empowering women. New Mexico has the opportunity to replicate this success.
Some argue that requiring women to hear about support options before an abortion is a burden. But how is offering help a burden? The conversation takes minutes, and participation is voluntary. Women can reject the support—but they deserve to know it exists.
Others claim this bill interferes with abortion access. It does not. It does not ban, delay, or restrict abortion—it simply ensures no woman undergoes an abortion without knowing she has alternatives.
Some say existing services already support pregnant women. But many don’t know these resources exist or struggle to navigate a fragmented system. HB 578 streamlines access, ensuring no woman is left behind.
New Mexico has the chance to be a leader in compassionate, pro-woman policy. HB 578 does not punish or restrict—it helps. It tells women: You are not alone. We see you. We will support you.
This is not a partisan issue. It’s about the single mother who wants to keep her baby but doesn’t know how. The scared teen girl with nowhere to turn. The woman in an abusive relationship who needs a way out. And the thousands of babies who deserve a chance at life.
New Mexico legislators should pass HB 578 without hesitation. It’s time to build a culture where motherhood is embraced, not feared—where every mother knows she and her child matter.
Because every mother matters. Every baby matters. And every life is worth fighting for.
Jodi Hendricks is the executive director of the New Mexico Family Action Movement.
