abortion

Democratic incumbent Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Republican challenger Steve Jones have differing stances on the federal government’s role in resolving matters like pocketbook issues and abortion protections, and how Congress should go about it.

Ken Brennan, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Matthew McQueen, a Democrat, in House District 50

New Mexico has become a safe haven for abortion access since federal protections for the procedure were overturned and many surrounding states have implemented bans. The issue has taken center stage in the race for the state’s next U.S. senator between two-term Democratic incumbent Martin Heinrich and his Republican challenger, Nella Domenici.

In a Senate subcommittee hearing Wednesday, lawmakers discussed the challenges, costs and emotional impact on people traveling out of state for abortion access. New Mexico has seen one of the largest increases in out-of-state patients in the nation.

A new reproductive health clinic on Wednesday got the go-ahead from the University of New Mexico’s Board of Regents to move forward with its building plans. The group planning the clinic can now purchase land for it.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case Monday that would put medical abortion out of reach for many.Providers in New Mexico who have had to adapt to a growing number of out-of-state patients are watching the case closely.

The attorney general in January asked the state supreme court to strike down those local rules, and in Wednesday's hearing he argued the justices had a number of grounds to do so.

While abortion remains legal, several more conservative local governments have passed ordinances placing restrictions on potential abortion providers.

The number of abortions performed in New Mexico has more than tripled since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. That’s according to a new study that says interstate travel across the country continues to grow for the procedure.New Mexico has seen one of the most dramatic increases in abortion care in the country because of demand from out-of-state patients.

New data confirms what New Mexico abortion providers already know too well – the number of abortions performed here has more than tripled since Roe v. Wade was overturned and neighboring states enacted abortion bans. Providers in the state are staffing up to meet the need.