Texas anti-abortion protesters set sights on New Mexico, where the procedure is still protected

[TexasTowelie]

by William Melhado, Texas Tribune


For New Mexico state Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, the arrival of a new abortion clinic in Las Cruces, the city she represents, is surreal. Over the years, there hasn’t been consistent access to the procedure as providers came and went.

But now — weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court revoked the constitutional right to an abortion — the clinic at the heart of that decision has relocated from Mississippi to the city just across the Texas border of El Paso. It’s one of several clinics to announce its move to New Mexico in recent weeks.

It has quickly become Texas’ only neighboring state to protect abortion access and one of the few “haven” states in the southwest. People there have been preparing for a deluge of abortion-seekers — and those who want to stop the state from offering the procedure at all.

“Now people are coming from across the country — at great stress, great exhaustion, great trauma — to arrive in our community, where likely they will be met by a handful of angry protesters, so that they can access health care,” Lara Cadena told The Texas Tribune.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/08/10/texas-abortion-sanctuary-city-new-mexico/

[StephanieDubois]

1. we need this here

I live an hour away from Las Cruces. Previously if someone wanted an abortion they would usually have to go up to Albuquerque for any procedures. My local government just passed resolutions making our county and city a Sanctuary for Life. Many people spoke at the meetings before the commissions voted, telling their stories of why they had an abortion, how passing these resolutions would be embarrassing for us, and explaining the separation of church and state. The commissioners ignored their constituents, for the city 5 men voted for the resolution with 2 women voting against. I am glad this this clinic has decided to provide healthcare access here.

[TexasTowelie]

2. There is demand that needs to be met to provide full reproductive services to women.

Hopefully the state legislature will reaffirm women's right to abortion when it convenes again. Good luck in your political race and welcome to DU. I also posted this thread in the New Mexico Group.