The bill amends the Adoption Act in New Mexico to streamline the adoption process specifically for children who are prenatally abandoned. It introduces a new definition of "prenatal abandonment," which occurs when an acknowledged or alleged father fails to provide reasonable support to the mother during pregnancy, either by not maintaining contact or by not offering financial or emotional support for at least sixty days. Additionally, it specifies that a conviction for domestic violence against the mother during her pregnancy also constitutes prenatal abandonment. This new language aims to clarify the circumstances under which a father's rights may be terminated due to abandonment.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the criteria for the termination of parental rights, stating that prenatal abandonment by an acknowledged or alleged father, once identified through genetic testing, will be considered a form of abandonment. It also expands the list of individuals whose consent for adoption is not required, including those who have prenatally abandoned the child. These changes are intended to facilitate a more efficient adoption process for children affected by prenatal abandonment, ensuring that their welfare is prioritized.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-5-3, 32A-5-15, 32A-5-19