The bill introduces new safety requirements for reproductive health care in New Mexico, specifically focusing on abortion services. It mandates that, except for medication abortions, all abortions must be performed by a licensed physician in a health facility that is licensed by the health care authority. Additionally, medication abortions can only be prescribed by licensed physicians and dispensed by licensed pharmacies. Violations of these provisions could result in civil penalties of up to $5,000. The bill also defines "medication abortion" as the use or prescription of any drug intended to induce an abortion.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to enhance protections against discrimination related to reproductive and gender-affirming health care. It specifies that public bodies cannot deny or interfere with access to these services, and clarifies that an abortion is considered within the medical standard of care only if performed by a licensed physician in a licensed health facility. The bill also outlines that no public body can impose laws that conflict with the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act, while ensuring that health care providers are not obligated to provide services outside their legal duties or against their medical judgment.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-34-3