ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Today, the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops along with New Mexico Alliance for Life and other groups announced the newly formed coalition, New Mexico for Ethical Medical Treatment (NM EMT). The newly formed group is calling on state legislators to address inconsistencies in medical ethics and medical treatment across the state. Archbishop Wester of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe called on state legislators to maintain a consistent ethic for life, “the people of our diocese stand very strongly for life from conception to natural birth, we believe in the sanctity of human life.”
The group voiced its support of legislation filed by Representative Rod Montoya (R-San Juan),
HB 37, the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. The legislation requires infants who survive abortion procedures to be given care, and if necessary, medical treatment. Dr. Maryrose Turner, a spokesperson for the group cited a University of New Mexico Hospital policy which states that fetal demise may take up to 24 hours: “This means it can take 24 hours for that baby to die, alone in a hospital or abortion clinic,” said Dr. Turner. “A crying baby in an abortion clinic makes for bad business, and we know in the case of late-term abortionist Kermit Gosnell, he would snip the spinal cords of infants born inside his clinic.”
NM EMT is prepared to fight for the rights of patients against any physician assisted suicide legislation as well. “Physician assisted suicide is highly dangerous for New Mexicans, and American Medical Association affirms this fact,” said Dr. Greg Schmedes, New Mexico State Director of the American Academy of Medical Ethics. “While the law will potentially give more options for the rich and well educated, this is not the case for the poor and uninformed.”
“Every year we see politicians propose legislation to protect children and families, which should not discriminate against anyone, including infants, people with disabilities and the elderly-who are often left out of these discussions and deserve equal protection under the law.” said Elisa Martinez Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life. “We are proud to partner with New Mexicans for Ethical Medical Treatment to address these issues of life and death at the Legislature.”
New Mexico for Ethical Medical Treatment (NM EMT) includes the American Academy of Medical Ethics NM, New Mexico Alliance for Life, New Mexico Council of Catholic Bishops, New Mexico Right to Life and Adoption Assistance Agency. Video of the press conference available
here.
