The "Every Mother Matters Act" establishes a new initiative aimed at supporting pregnant individuals and new parents in New Mexico through the creation of the Pregnancy Launch Program. This program will provide no-cost services, including community education, family support, prenatal and pediatric health care, and crisis support for issues such as addiction and domestic violence. Eligibility for the program extends to all residents who are pregnant, parents of children under two, or have experienced pregnancy loss within the last six months. The Department of Health is tasked with operating the program statewide, ensuring that services are accessible in every county.
Additionally, the bill mandates that licensed health facilities and providers must offer a "resource access offer" to patients seeking abortion services, which includes information about the Pregnancy Launch Program and other available social services. This offer is designed to ensure that patients are aware of their options and that participation in the program is voluntary. The Department of Health will monitor compliance with this requirement and report annually on the program's activities, including the number of participants and the effectiveness of the resource access offers. The provisions of the act will take effect in stages, with most becoming effective on July 1, 2025, and the resource access offer requirement starting on July 1, 2026.