New Mexico builds abortion clinic to support neighboring states

Construction has begun on a state-funded reproductive health and abortion clinic in southern New Mexico, aimed at serving both local residents and individuals traveling from neighboring states with strict abortion laws, such as Texas and Oklahoma. This initiative is backed by $10 million in state funding allocated by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham under a 2022 executive order, reflecting New Mexico's commitment to reproductive rights following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The clinic is expected to offer a range of services, including medical and procedural abortions, contraception, cervical cancer screenings, and adoption education. It is part of a broader effort by Democratic-led states to enhance abortion services and protections, with New Mexico joining states like California that have increased funding for reproductive health. The announcement has reignited public discourse on abortion policy in New Mexico, especially with upcoming elections where Democrats aim to maintain their legislative majorities. While some Republican candidates have distanced themselves from supporting a federal abortion ban, the Republican Party of New Mexico criticized the funding for the clinic as a misallocation of resources. The project, which is anticipated to be completed within 18 months, is also designed to improve healthcare access and create training opportunities for medical students at the University of New Mexico. The university is collaborating with organizations like Planned Parenthood to ensure the clinic meets the needs of both in-state and out-of-state patients seeking reproductive healthcare.