Nicole Arredondo, a sonography educator, said that policy changes affecting conscience rights are deterring students from pursuing healthcare careers. This statement was made during a press conference on March 20.
"We saw concern, angst, anxiety go up among students and faculty," said Arredondo, according to YouTube.
According to the press conference, this assertion is in response to growing concerns among medical students in New Mexico who fear being compelled to act against their beliefs. Arredondo said that Senate Bill 347 (SB 347) would help reassure current and future students that their rights will be respected.
As per the New Mexico Legislature, SB 347 proposes a requirement for abortion providers to report detailed data on each procedure, including gestational age, method, and complications. The bill also mandates that the New Mexico Department of Health publish annual statistical summaries while ensuring patient anonymity. Supporters argue it increases transparency and public health tracking, while critics view it as a potential step toward abortion restriction.
U.S. News reports that diagnostic medical sonographers are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15.1% job growth from 2023 to 2033, adding an estimated 12,800 new positions. The role blends technical precision with interpersonal skills, as sonographers must both operate advanced imaging equipment and support patients during potentially stressful moments. As imaging replaces more invasive procedures, sonography is increasingly used in outpatient settings beyond hospitals.
According to the press conference, Arredondo is a sonography educator teaching at a medical institution. She speaks about the challenges facing the field and highlights how coercive policies contribute to student anxiety and hinder workforce recruitment in diagnostic medical sonography.
