New Mexico AG seeks to codify abortion rights, nullify bans [View all]
https://news.yahoo.com/mexico-ag-seeks-codify-abortion-191555391.html
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) New Mexicos top prosecutor on Monday asked the state Supreme Court to nullify abortion ordinances that local elected officials have passed in conservative reaches of the Democratic-led state.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez urged the court to intervene against recent ordinances he said overstep local government authority to regulate health care access, and violate state constitutional guarantees of equal protection and due process.
At a news conference, Torrez said the ordinances are significant even in regions with no abortion clinics because they threaten to restrict access to reproductive health care in people's homes. More than half of U.S. abortions are now done with pills rather than surgery.
This is not Texas. Our State Constitution does not allow cities, counties or private citizens to restrict womens reproductive rights, Torrez said in a statement. Todays action sends a strong message that my office will use every available tool to swiftly and decisively uphold individual liberties against unconstitutional overreach.
Its unclear how soon the New Mexico Supreme Court might take up the issue. Torrez said he hopes his petition will inspire a quick response within weeks or months.