The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled that local governments in the state cannot restrict access to abortion services. The decision came after a case in which the city of Santa Fe had attempted to limit where abortions could be performed within city limits.
In a 4-1 decision, the court declared that local governments do not have the authority to regulate or restrict the provision of abortions. The majority opinion stated that such restrictions would infringe upon a woman’s constitutional right to access reproductive health care services.
The ruling is seen as a victory for reproductive rights advocates in New Mexico, where access to abortion services has been a contentious issue. The decision sets a precedent for other local governments in the state, ensuring that women’s access to abortion services will not be limited by local regulations.
Proponents of the ruling argue that it upholds women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies, while opponents believe it goes against the rights of local governments to regulate public health and safety. Regardless, the court’s decision now stands as law in New Mexico, protecting access to abortion services statewide.
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