Rebecca Dow, a representative for New Mexico's House District 38, said that a "majority of pro-choice New Mexicans oppose taxpayer funds being utilized for elective abortions of healthy babies." She made this statement in a March 19 post on X, responding to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's initiative to fund a $10 million abortion center.
"Even a majority of pro-choice New Mexicans oppose taxpayer funds being utilized for elective abortions of healthy babies," said Dow, State Representative. "(Over 93% of NM abortions are elective) yes NM has seen a 230% increase in abortions in the last few years."
House Bill 450 addresses capital expenditures and appropriations from the general fund. It also specifies conditions for the state to issue severance tax bonds and how their proceeds should be used. According to the bill’s webpage, it includes $10 million for the design, construction, and equipping of a veterans resource center in Albuquerque. Another appropriation allocates $40 million for a firefighter memorial, training facility, and wildfire response facility for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department. Additionally, there is a $10 million appropriation for a reproductive health care clinic in northern New Mexico. The bill does not mention abortion.
Screenshot of State Representative Rebecca Dow's March 19 post on X
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According to Source New Mexico, the Guttmacher Institute reported a 279% increase in abortions in New Mexico since 2020. In the first half of 2023, three-quarters of patients seeking abortions in the state came from outside New Mexico, including from states with abortion bans. Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, said that states without abortion bans but not bordering those with bans have not seen as many travelers.
The $1.2 billion capital outlay bill passed the House on March 19 with a vote of 41-25; four legislators were excused from voting. The Senate approved the bill on March 20 with a vote of 25-16; one legislator abstained.
Dow is a Republican politician representing Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra counties. She previously served as a state representative and reclaimed her seat in House District 38 in 2024 by defeating Democratic incumbent Tara Jaramillo. Her campaign focused on pro-business initiatives and education reform efforts. Dow has been recognized for her work in early childhood education and community service.
