New Mexico Legislative Issues You Need to Know

New Mexico’s 55th legislative session will be novel in some ways and familiar in others. The legislature has limited in-person public testimony at the Capitol due to ongoing health concerns, planning to conduct hearings via video conferencing. Though, many of our legislative priorities will be very familiar.

Assisted Suicide
Once again, physician-assisted suicide is on the table, filed as HB 47—The Elizabeth Whitfield End-of-Life-Options Act. It is currently in the House Committee on Health, & Human Services and is expected to have a hearing soon.

HB 47 would legalize assisted suicide in New Mexico by allowing patients to obtain lethal drugs from medical professionals who do not even have to be doctors – this is essentially Non-Physician assisted suicide. This legislation would also enable the same non-physicians to determine the mental capacity of patients requesting lethal drugs. It would take the extra step of forcing doctors and medical professionals to violate their conscience by mandating that they refer patients for assisted suicide when requested, regardless of the patient’s mental or medical condition.

HB 47 lacks many safeguards found in other states that protect patients from dangerous abuse and coercion from predatory family members and profit-driven insurance companies, putting the disabled and the elderly at particular risk.

Abortion
Although it has not yet been introduced, we expect another substantial effort to repeal abortion statute protections for women and doctors. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has reiterated her commitment to supporting legislative efforts to remove all abortion-related laws from New Mexico statutes, including those that provide doctors’ conscience protections and require a woman’s consent before having an abortion.

Marijuana
Lawmakers will likely introduce legislation to legalize recreational marijuana, again with support from the Governor’s office (a proposal 63% of New Mexicans opposed just a year ago). Supporters claim legalization will bring in tax revenue but dismiss the heavy cost legalization would have on our communities, particularly our children and communities of color, not to mention the health and safety risks that have become realities in other states which have legalized recreational marijuana.

Despite these radical efforts, we are proud we have strong allies in our state capitol we can stand alongside and support—Elected officials who are committed to representing your values.

Please join us in supporting these legislators by praying that God may bless their efforts and ensure our voices are heard.

With your support we will remain vigilant in standing for life, family and religious freedom and keep you updated on the movement of legislation and how you can get involved.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Curry Policy Manager

Mailing Address: 223 N Guadalupe St, Suite 514 Santa Fe, NM 87501 FamilyPolicyAlliance.com/NewMexico

Stephanie Curry
Policy Manager