SANTA FE – Earlier this week, Governor Susana Martinez added House Bill 56, sponsored by Representatives Rick Little (R-Dona Ana & Otero) and David Gallegos (R-Lea), to the Legislative Session agenda. House Bill 56, also known as the Parental Notification of Abortion Act, would require that a physician give notice to the parent or guardian of an un-emancipated minor 48 hours prior to the scheduled abortion procedure.
“This legislation is long overdue in New Mexico and we applaud Governor Martinez for making it a priority this year,” said Stephanie Curry, Policy Manager for Kansas Family Voice. “The fact that minors cannot receive an aspirin without parental notification and consent, but can obtain an abortion without parental knowledge, is unconscionable. This bill also provides a safeguard against sexual predators attempting to cover up a rape. Traffickers are known to frequently take young girls to abortion clinics to get rid of the evidence, and adults have been caught taking minors across state lines to avoid parental notification or consent requirements.”
Thirty-seven other states, including Arizona and Colorado, have already enacted parental involvement laws on abortion. New Mexico, meanwhile, has some of the fewest abortion restrictions in the nation.
House Bill 56 was referred to the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Kansas Family Voice of New Mexico is a faith-based family policy group based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We advocate for pro-family policy at the Capitol, engage directly with churches, and provide the education and tools to help New Mexican families speak up for their values. We’re also part of a vibrant national alliance of pro-family state groups in over 40 states.
Stephanie Curry is available for comment by contacting Autumn Leva at media@familypolicyalliance.com.
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