Abortion bill repeal advances

SANTA FE — A proposal to repeal a 1969 anti-abortion law moved closer to final passage Monday as it cleared the House Judiciary Committee.

The legislation, Senate Bill 10, could be taken up by the full House later this week, the last step necessary to send the measure to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has made its passage a priority.

The proposal would repeal a state law that makes it a crime to end a woman’s pregnancy, except in certain circumstances. It’s largely unenforceable now because of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade.

Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, a Mesilla Democrat who presented the bill Monday, said the legislation would ensure women can make their own health care decisions, even if the U.S. Supreme Court revisits abortion rights.

The measure “really is saying that we trust New Mexicans to make these decisions for themselves,” Lara Cadena said.

Republican lawmakers objected to the bill, arguing that New Mexico should establish a ban on late-term abortions.