abortion

Planned Parenthood NM giving Gov. MLG award for signing abortion up-to-birth bill

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, it was announced by Planned Parenthood New Mexico that they will be giving Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham an award for her efforts to ram through extremist abortion up-to-birth and infanticide measures in the Legislature, specifically S.B. 10. The bill rips all conscience protections for health care workers, all health protections for women, leaving infants in the womb defenseless.

After the Governor signed the extreme abortion law, she said, she was “honored” to sign it, calling it “profound.” 

“Anyone who seeks to violate bodily integrity, or to criminalize womanhood, is in the business of dehumanization. New Mexico is not in that business – not any more,” she wrote.

Because of the Governor’s commitment to anti-life policies, Planned Parenthood is giving Lujan Grisham the “Changing Lives Award” at the “Breakfast of Champions” event, according to an email announcement. The award is meant to go “to a person who embodies the importance of Planned Parenthood in New Mexico’s (PPNM) work providing sexual and reproductive health care services, education, and advocacy.” 

She will receive the award on May 14 during a virtual event featuring Jamia Wilson, an “activist, feminist, storyteller, media maker, and natural-born thought leader” who has been chosen as the Executive Editor of Random House, a book publisher. She is also a former Planned Parenthood worker.

Tickets are being offered anywhere from $50 to $10,000 to support the anti-life abortion business with sponsorships including the “Bellow,” “Yell,” “Howl,” “Shout,” “Roar,” and “Platinum” levels.

Gov. Lujan Grisham also signed an extreme assisted suicide bill that will let patients take a medically unproven “cocktail” of lethal drugs if they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, with only a 48-hour waiting period to obtain the poison. The Governor has been noted as one of the most anti-life governors in the United States.

Planned Parenthood NM giving Gov. MLG award for signing abortion up-to-birth bill Read More »

NM abortionist loses court battle after having botched abortion victim arrested

Leave a Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Wednesday, Abortion On Trial (AOT), a pro-life New Mexico-based group announced that charges for a woman who was arrested at “Women’s Reproductive Clinic” in Sunland Park were dropped.

According to the group, the woman going by “Jane Doe” was arrested on September 1, 2020 after she returned with the body of her deceased baby who was delivered at home following a botched surgical abortion at the facility.

“Jane went to the clinic in physical pain and emotional panic in order to get help, answers, and her medical records. The abortion provider, Dr. Franz Theard, refused to speak with Jane and instead fled the scene in his car after instructing police be called on her.” 

“After the abortion facility illegally took custody of her baby’s body, police arrested both Jane and her husband. Jane’s husband’s charges were later dropped but Jane’s remained,” the press release reads.

Sidewalk advocates from Southwest Coalition for Life were on-scene that day, however, and made sure that she had proper medical care following her botched abortion and home delivery. Abortion On Trial’s attorney, Mike Seibel, also got involved and took immediate steps to defend Jane against the abortionist.

“It took more than 120 days for Women’s Reproductive Clinic to release Jane’s medical records to her. That delay resulted in even more court battles as AOT’s attorney, Mike Siebel, sought to hold Women’s Reproductive Clinic in contempt of a court order. Women’s reproductive clinic responding to that attempt with proposed sanctions against Mr. Seibel,” according to AOT.

Later, the charges against Jane were “dismissed without prejudice” and the proposed sanctions against Mr. Seibel and request for Women’s Reproductive Clinic to have their legal fees paid for were denied, a victory for Jane and for the pro-life movement. 

“Jane’s case is the beginning of fighting back against the bullying women so often experience before and after abortion. Franz Theard and his staff now know that people will push back and stand up for the women they previously got away with mistreating. Women watching this case now know that people will stand beside them in a battle against corrupt doctors. This may not be the last we see of Jane and her story, but it is the last we will see of Franz Theard harming women without being actively opposed,” wrote Abortion On Trial. 

“We hope Jane’s story will continue to spread as a beacon of awareness and precaution to those considering abortion,” said AOT Executive Director, Jamie Jeffries. “We hope those who oppose abortion see this case and realize just how much women need compassionate care after abortion. And we hope those who support providers like Franz Theard see this case and realize who is having women arrested at abortion clinics…and who is fighting for them when that happens.”

NM abortionist loses court battle after having botched abortion victim arrested Read More »

Gov. MLG says she was ‘honored’ to sign abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham sent out a message to her campaign email list touting her signing of the extreme abortion up-to-birth and infanticide S.B. 10. She said she was “honored” to affix her name to the new law.

She claimed it was an “important piece of legislation” and that its passage meant “everyone in New Mexico, no matter their gender, has the right to autonomy over their own body,” implying that men also can give birth? 

She also thanked all the pro-abortion groups that spread extreme propaganda ultimately leading to the bill’s passage. She wrote, “I’m so grateful to all the community advocates, leaders and organizations from across New Mexico who have tirelessly worked to get this done.” 

Read her full email here:

Friend, I wanted to share an update on an important piece of legislation that I just signed into law: Senate Bill 10.

SB10 repeals decades-old, unenforceable laws that criminalized doctors for providing abortion care in New Mexico. It’s a simple bill – getting outdated laws off the books – but it’s the message this sends that’s really profound.

By passing this bill, the legislature affirmed loud and clear that everyone in New Mexico, no matter their gender, has the right to autonomy over their own body. And it tells health care providers that they’ll never be punished for doing what’s right for their patients.

I’m so grateful to all the community advocates, leaders and organizations from across New Mexico who have tirelessly worked to get this done. Every New Mexican should be able to exercise their full reproductive rights: This bill’s passage underscores that powerful truth, and I was truly honored to have signed it into law.

This legislation is just one piece of our fight to build a brighter future for New Mexico. Thank you for looking toward that brighter future alongside me. There’s so much we can achieve together.

With gratitude,

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Gov. MLG says she was ‘honored’ to sign abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill Read More »

As Gov. MLG signs abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, she decries ‘dehumanization’

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Opinion, Politics / By

On Friday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that she had signed the radical abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, S.B. 10, which the House of Representatives passed last week stripping away all protections for women, babies in the womb, and medical professionals.

In a condescending quote, Lujan Grisham said, “A woman has the right to make decisions about her own body,” adding, “Anyone who seeks to violate bodily integrity, or to criminalize womanhood, is in the business of dehumanization. New Mexico is not in that business – not any more. Our state statutes now reflect this inviolable recognition of humanity and dignity. I am incredibly grateful to the tireless advocates and legislators who fought through relentless misinformation and fear-mongering to make this day a reality. Equality for all, equal justice and equal treatment – that’s the standard. And I’m proud to lead a state that today moved one step closer to that standard.” 

Notice she claims pro-lifers are “violat[ing] bodily autonomy” (wrong), “criminaliz[ing] womanhood” (wrong), and are “in the business of dehumanization.” 

The false and ironic rhetoric from the Governor comes as she just signed a bill allowing late-term abortionists to rip infants limb from limb just moments before birth, not to mention infanticide–killing infants AFTER birth, which is already occurring in New Mexico. 

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo), who refused to defend her bill on the Senate floor, said, “Thank you to Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this legislation, thank you to every one of my fellow bill sponsors and community advocates, and thank you to all of the voters of New Mexico who made your voices heard in the last election. Abortion is a personal health care decision. We can hold our own moral values on abortion and still trust individuals to make their own reproductive health care decisions.”

Previously, the 2019 version of the bill, H.B. 51 died in the New Mexico Senate after pro-life Democrats rejected the extreme bill. Out of spite, Lujan Grisham put her entire political machine into primary challengers to destroy these pro-life Democrats in the 2020 election. One of these pro-life Democrats, Sen. Carlos Cisneros passed away before the election.

Now, Democrats are looking to ram through another extreme anti-life bill, assisted suicide H.B. 47, which passed the House of Representatives with one Republican, Rep. Kelly Fajardo (R-Valencia), joining Democrats to help pass it through the chamber. Its next step is the Senate Judiciary Committee.

As Gov. MLG signs abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, she decries ‘dehumanization’ Read More »

Legislative Briefing: Anti-life bills clear House, anti-gun bill passes committee, Saturday bill hearings

Leave a Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Friday was an incredibly busy day in the New Mexico Legislature, with a slew of extreme bills advancing toward the governor’s desk and out of committee. Here are some key bills that advanced yesterday: 

S.B.10, the Democrats’ abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill criminalizing medical professionals with conscience objections to abortion and stripping all protections for women passed the House on a vote of 40-30 with ex-GOP Rep. Phelps Anderson voting with Democrats on the bill. Six Democrats rejected the extreme bill. The bill now goes to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk to be signed into law.

Sign the petition demanding Rep. Phelps Anderson resign in disgrace.

H.B. 47, a bill to legalize assisted suicide in New Mexico, cleared its final hurdle in the House of Representatives after many heartfelt stories and testimony from the members. The anti-life bill passed on a vote of 39-27 with six Democrats voting with pro-life Republicans and extremely moderate Rep. Kelly Fajardo (R-Valencia) voting with the Democrats to pass the bill. 

Fajardo constantly votes with the Democrats on extreme bills, including anti-business tax hikes, minimum wage hikes, the Governor’s “mini” Green New Deal, among a slew of other bills that are a slap in the face to Republicans. It is unclear if she will run for re-election given her abysmal record and her eligibility for the state’s pension given to legislators. 

S.B. 224, an anti-gun bill that makes strict demands regarding gun storage sponsored by Sen. Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez cleared its first hurdle in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee passing with a vote of 4-2 with two members excused. There were no proposed amendments adopted in the committee. The bill’s next step is Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Doña Ana). 

HAPPENING TODAY: 

H.B. 205, an extreme taxation bill sponsored by Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Doña Ana) and Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Bernalillo) will be heard at 9:00 a.m. in the House Health and Human Services Committee relating to banning flavored tobacco in New Mexico. The bill infringes on individual liberty. If you wish to testify, please follow this link at 9:00 a.m. : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89853256841 

S.B. 168, a bill taxing gasoline $.05 per gallon sponsored by Sen. Bobby Gonzales (D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos) is being heard at 9:00 a.m. in the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee. The bill will hurt the poor by adding an extraa tax on gasoline. You can watch the hearing under “Senate Tax, Business and Transportation” here. Members in this committee can be found here.  

S.B. 197, a bill from Sen. Linda Lipez (D-Bernalillo) increasing taxes on cigarettes 320% is also set to be heard in the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee, possibly Saturday. The bill would be excessively punitive to smokers, hiking the price of cigarettes to extreme highs. You can watch the hearing under “Senate Tax, Business and Transportation” here. Members in this committee can be found here.  

Many bills will be heard on Monday, which the Piñon Post will alert you about with a ful schedule.

Legislative Briefing: Anti-life bills clear House, anti-gun bill passes committee, Saturday bill hearings Read More »

NM House passes unsafe abortion up-to-birth bill criminalizing health workers objecting to abortion

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Friday, the New Mexico House of Representatives convened to consider the final passage of S.B. 10, an abortion up-to-birth bill that would strip all protections for medical professionals, women, and babies. 

During debate, Rep. T. Ryan Lane (R-San Juan) asked the bill sponsor, Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Doña Ana), if health care professionals who have conscience objections to abortions would be forced to refer for abortions. Cadena replied, “That depends.” She reaffirmed her answer, “that depends,” when pressed again.

Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Doña Ana) stated that decisions to kill children in the womb “are made with a lot of honor and a lot of sacredness.” 

Rep. Mo Maestas (D-Bernalillo), who is married to an anti-gun lobbyist, tried to make the “Don’t tread on me” argument regarding supporting abortion.

Later in the debate, Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-Carlsbad) tried to offer an amendment to keep state law 30-5-2 to protect medical professionals’ conscience rights, but Rep. Daymon Ely (D-Bernalillo), the House parliamentarian, claimed the amendment went against House rules. 

Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) ruled that he accepted Ely’s objection, which was refuted by Republican Whip Rod Montoya (R-San Juan), who tried to interject. Egolf screamed across the chamber, “Will you not interrupt me, sir?” Montoya clapped back, “The inconsistency on this is astounding.” Montoya requested an appeal of parliamentarian Rep. Ely’s ruling that it went against rules. Egolf rejected it. 

After the amendment was defeated, Rep. Micaela Cadena told Rep. Brown that she worries that “misinformation” was given to medical professionals about being forced to refer for abortions. She added, “We had a chance to include that unnecessary but reassuring language (30-5-2), but the Senate did not pass that bill” in 2019. So, she did without it this session, regardless of what medical professionals thought. 

Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) asked Cadena, “Did the New Mexico ACLU assist you with expert testimony in committees throughout this process?” Cadena replied, “The ACLU of New Mexico was part of that cohort.” Dow read a passage showing that the ACLU does, indeed, want health care providers to refer for and perform abortion regardless of conscientious objections.”  

“For whatever reason, instead of answering [Rep. Brown’s] questions, you referred to a past law,” the “Uniform Health Care Decisions Act” and the “Medical Practice Act,” however, they would not protect against medical professionals who have conscience objections against abortions. 

When Rep. Dow asked about abortions late in pregnancy, Cadena repeatedly said, “I’m here to debate S.B. 10 and this repeal in front of us,” despite her question about the bill’s topic (abortion). “I’m not here to debate specific medical procedures,” said Cadena, despite abortion being a medical procedure.

Cadena referred to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Medical Association’s standards regarding standards of care. However, Dow pointed to the bill not mandating standards of care, including the late-term abortion being performed in a hospital with 24-hour monitoring. Cadena could not answer on the topic. “I still believe that holding onto that particular section 20-5-2 is not necessary,” said Cadena. 

“It is already hard to recruit doctors, especially in rural parts of the state,” said Whip Montoya, adding, “Without… projections,” they “would be forced” to perform or refer for abortions. Dow proposed an amendment to protect medical professionals, which was later voted down on a vote of 44-25 after Majority Leader Sheryl Stapleton (D-Bernalillo) called for it to be tabled. 

“The women and girls in New Mexico deserve to be protected,” said Whip Montoya. 

“This body has an opportunity to vote no and our vote will be marked in history,” said Rep. Rebecca Dow. 

“I don’t care what you say that ‘it’s a blob,’” said Rep. Stefani Lord (D-Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe), referring to a baby in the womb. It’s me.” “I do count. My vote counts. My constituents count. The people of New Mexico count.” “What about me?” “You keep saying that you want strong women. They have to be born first,” “I am here showing you exactly what you are killing.” 

After more Democrat testimony, the bill passed on a vote of 40-30, with ex-GOP Rep. Phelps Anderson (I-Roswell) betraying his constituents and voting for it. The bill goes to Gov. Lujan Grisham, who has said she will sign the bill. She later posted the following:

NM House passes unsafe abortion up-to-birth bill criminalizing health workers objecting to abortion Read More »

Abortion up-to-birth and infanticide S.B. 10 passes last committee, heads to House floor

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, the New Mexico House Judiciary Committee met to consider S.B. 10, a bill that would strip all conscience protections from health care providers, allow abortion up-to-birth and infanticide, and allow underaged children, possibly victims of human trafficking, to get abortions without any questions asked.

During the hearing, the Senate sponsor of the bill, Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo), did not answer any questions about her bill, as she previously did on the Senate floor when Republicans tried to ask her a question.

I was at the hearing and testified against the bill. The chair, Rep. Gail Chasey, attempted to cut me off when mentioning Sen. Lopez’s refusal to defend her bill. However, I did get my full statement into the record. 

Here’s what my one-minute statement read: 

Thank you, Madame Chair and Representatives: My name is John Block, a New Mexico native, and I oppose S.B. 10, which its own sponsor, Sen. Lopez, refused to defend on the Senate floor. And I know why she refused to defend it. It’s indefensible.

It would allow abortion up-to-birth and infanticide, let underage girls, many being victims of human trafficking, be forced into unwanted abortions by predators with no questions asked, and mandate health care workers to refer and continue care for abortion.

S.B. 10 does nothing but reward late-term abortionists, child rapists, and sex traffickers, putting vulnerable women and babies in an impossible situation. I urge the committee to vote “no” on this antiquated and staunchly anti-woman bill. Thank you.

Many other pro-lifers, including Elisa Martinez of New Mexico Alliance for Life and many others, offered cogent testimony against the bill, despite the short notice from the committee and the hearing being heard on President’s Day, a holiday. A poll that was conducted during the Zoom meeting claimed there was 50/50 support versus opposition to the bill. However, many who testified indicated how inaccurate the poll was.

During one bit of testimony from the pro-abortion side, one person complained their grandmother “didn’t have access to abortion,” and was “forced to give birth” to her mother. 

The bill passed on a party-line vote of 8-4, with all Democrats voting for it and all Republicans opposing it. S.B. 10 now moves to the House floor for third-reading and then final passage.

Here’s a vlip from the Senate debate where Sen. Jacob Candelaria (D-Bernalillo) said he threw a baby model “right in the trash.”

Abortion up-to-birth and infanticide S.B. 10 passes last committee, heads to House floor Read More »

GOP defector who voted for abortion up-to-birth and infanticide claims his vote ‘makes no difference’

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a response to concerns from a Republican Roswell city counselor about Rep. Phelps Anderson’s “yes” vote in the House Health and Human Services Committee on an abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, Anderson seemed to brush off the concerns of the lawmaker, claiming his vote “makes no difference.” Anderson left the Republican party over his vote.

In his note, he also used the Democrats’ talking point that the 1969 law currently protecting unborn life is “antiquated” while not addressing the fact that the bill would also strip conscience protections for health care workers and allow underaged girls, some under the influence of predators, to get abortions without parental consent.

Anderson claimed “dark forces” from “outside the community” were trying to bring “exaggerations and falsehoods” about his vote. 

Here is an excerpt from Anderson’s note: 

I write this note to give you an explanation of recent events. hope my response helps clear the air as today there are dark voices outside the community bringing exaggerations and falsehoods. 

Two weeks ago I voted yes in the House Health Committee to pass House Bill 7 (the repeal of New Mexico’s 1969 Abortion Law). The antiquated law was ruled unconstitutional in 3973 by the U. S. Supreme Court. I believe the repeal of New Mexico’s Abortion Law makes no difference. A yes or no vote changes nothing. very few laws bring no change and HS 7 is one of these few bills. 

Thank you for your words concern and support for my work in the New Mexico Legislature. The COVID circumstances here in Santa Fe make the job even more difficult. Constituent input and comment is sorely lacking under the locked down State Capitol. I know I have disappointed some of you in Chaves, Lea and Roosevelt Counties. Disappointing people is not my intention but tough Legislative decisions please some and disappoint others. That said, unpopular votes are not a reason to resign from office as tough decisions are an everyday occurrence in the Legislature. 

After the abortion up-to-birth and infanticide vote, Rep. Anderson once again voted against life in the womb by rejecting a commonsense Republican bill to mandate safety protocols at abortion clinics during COVID-19. 

Rep. Anderson represents Chavez, Lea, and Roosevelt Counties, which includes a large part of Roswell. Roswell is a “sanctuary city for the unborn.”

During the committee hearing when Anderson voted for H.B. 7, he said the following:

the one thing I have heard today that I do think might change based on testimony is the conscience clause, and that will make a difference in how I vote on the House floor if I go and believe that the conscience clause is not—is being removed. And I kinda think that I believe right now that that’s not what this repeal is doing, but I will—but we will see this bill again. 

What are your thoughts on Anderson’s vote for abortion up-to-birth and infanticide H.B. 7? Will Anderson finally stand with his constituents when the bill hits the House floor or will he vote with Democrats and the abortion lobby and back the bill? 

The Piñon Post has launched a petition calling for the resignation of Rep. Anderson for betraying his constituents. Sign the petition here. 

GOP defector who voted for abortion up-to-birth and infanticide claims his vote ‘makes no difference’ Read More »

MLG could barely contain her excitement after NM Senate rammed through abortion up-to-birth bill

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, the New Mexico Senate voted 25-17 for an abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, S.B. 10. During the Senate meeting, pro-life Republican members proposed compromises limiting abortions after 20 weeks while protecting conscience objections for medical workers. But the Democrats, with the votes they needed to ram the bill through, refused to concede an inch, while the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo) refused to take questions about her bill in an unprecedented move.

After the massive blow to human life, just two years after the same bill died on the Senate floor in 2019, far-left Democrat Gov. Lujan Grisham could barely contain her excitement about the anti-life bill’s passage.

Gov. Lujan Grisham wrote, “This is a simple bill. And it is powerful in its simplicity. It affirms a woman’s self-evident autonomy over her own body. And it ensures no health care provider in our state may be criminalized for providing health care. I thank and applaud the women senators who spoke in such personal terms in their supportive testimony today. This was a moment for common-sense leadership and I am grateful to the lawmakers and advocates who have met that moment.”

Actually, the Governor’s statement is inaccurate since the bodily autonomy of children in the womb is removed, health care providers would be “criminalized” by not referring or performing abortions, and abortion up to the very date of birth can be argued as definitely not “common-sense.” 

The statement comes as the Governor flew to Washington, D.C. to meet with Joe Biden just one day after she coincidentally lifted her strict ban on out-of-state travel. Yet, she had time to write up a statement praising the New Mexico Senate’s passage of the most radical anti-life bill in the nation. Some of the bill’s supporters made vile statements on the Senate floor, such as Sen. Jacob Candelaria (D-Bernalillo) who said he threw a model of a 12-week old baby “right in the trash,” calling the baby “offensive.”

Originally tweeted by Piñon Post (@PinonPost) on February 12, 2021.

However, Republican Congresswoman Yvette Herrell of the Second District wrote a starkly different statement, commenting, “It’s a sad day for New Mexico when our Senate votes to legalize abortion up to birth.” 

While pro-life members of the Senate gave Democrats chance after chance for a compromise, the bill ultimately passed. Countless health care workers have pledged to leave the state due to the hostile legislation. 

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to be considered next week, according to the rabidly pro-abortion Speaker of the House Brian Egolf. “We’re not sure exactly yet when we’re going to be meeting on the floor of the House next week,” Egolf said. “If we have a meeting late in the week, we might be able to send a bill to the governor then. If not, very early in the week following.”

MLG could barely contain her excitement after NM Senate rammed through abortion up-to-birth bill Read More »

Chaos on Senate floor as Dems ram through abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday afternoon, the New Mexico Senate convened on the floor of the chamber to debate S.B. 10, an abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill.

During the debate, Republican senators offered multiple floor amendments and floor substitutes for the bill, which were all stricken down by Democrats. 

One amendment offered by Sen. William Sharer (R-San Juan) sought to keep a portion of the state statute a provision that would allow conscientious objections from medical professionals who do not wish to perform abortions.

During the debate, Sen. Jacob Candelaria (D-Bernalillo) tried to argue that state law already affirms that medical professionals would not be forced to perform abortions, however, they would still be forced to refer for abortion, which Sharer’s amendment did not include. 

While Republicans tried to ask the bill sponsor, Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo) on multiple occasions, but she refused to defend her bill by “respectfully declin[ing] to comment.” All 27 of the bill’s co-sponsors in the body refused to defend their bill. 

Sen. Crystal Diamond offered up a floor substitute for S.B. 10, which would ban abortion after 20 weeks, including conscience protections and parental consent requirements. After she offered the substitute, Sen. Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez (D-Bernalillo), who has been in the Senate for a little over one year, bashed Diamond for being a “freshman senator,” claiming Diamond was being “disrespectful” for offering the substitute. Sedillo-Lopez was later corrected on the floor by another Republican senator. 

Later in the debate, Candelaria became hostile, accusing Republican senators of using “homophobic” and “transphobic” arguments to oppose the abortion up-to-birth bill. He also threw away a 12-week model of a baby provided by the Right to Life Committee of Lea County, saying it was “offensive” to him and that babies are not actually babies at the moment of conception. 

Afterward, Sen. Ron Griggs (R-Doña Ana, Otero, and Eddy) spoke of the need to be more cordial during debate and made the pro-life argument that “somebody’s got to stand up for the little guy” in the womb. 

Sen. Candelaria later clapped back, claiming that “as a gay man” and “as a Hispanic” he was “offended” and didn’t like what he claimed was someone telling him to “sit down and be quiet.” 

Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino (D-Santa Fe) arose to support the bill while claiming he was a “Catholic” and still backed the anti-life bill, which the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops has vehemently opposed.

Sen. Greg Baca (R-Valencia) added during the final debate, “Since [babies in the womb] can’t speak, you will forever be silenced,” said Sen. Baca. No one can speak on behalf of them because they are not here.” 

The bill sponsor, Sen. Linda Lopez, accused her Republican colleagues of “mansplaining.” She said, “I appreciate some of the mansplaining on the Senate floor today,” adding, “reproductive rights [abortion rights] are human rights.” 

After a rambunctious debate, S.B. 10 was passed on mostly party lines by a vote of 25-17. Two pro-life Democrats, Sen. Pete Campos (D-Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, San Miguel, and Taos) and Sen. George Muñoz (D-Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan) voted against it. Sen. Candelaria relished in his “yes” vote, saying he “proudly” voted yes for the abortion up-to-birth bill.

Chaos on Senate floor as Dems ram through abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill Read More »

1 … 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Scroll to Top