New Mexico legislators may block local abortion ordinances

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A standoff over abortion in politically conservative regions of New Mexico escalated as Democratic state legislators advanced a bill that would prohibit local governments from interfering with women’s access to reproductive health care. The initiative from state House Democrats comes in response to abortion restrictions recently adopted in two counties and three cities in eastern New Mexico. A legislative panel endorsed the bill Friday on a party-line vote with Republicans in opposition. The measure would also ban interference with gender-affirming care. The anti-abortion ordinances reference an obscure U.S. anti-obscenity law that prohibits shipping of medication or other items intended for abortions.