Assistant Secretary of Health explains how Roe v. Wade decision could impact New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A leaked U.S. Supreme Court opinion revealed the court is likely to overturn Roe v. Wade. If and when that happens, abortion laws nationwide are expected to change.

Some states might outlaw abortion altogether, while states like New Mexico will still allow them. It is very likely that New Mexico will start to see an influx of women seeking abortions.

Since Texas passed a law in 2021 prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, the UNM Center for Reproductive Health has seen a 50% increase in patients seeking a variety of services.

Dr. Lisa Hofler, the clinical vice-chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said those services include cervical cancer screenings, infection testing, and providing preventative care.

Assistant U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Rachel Levine visited the UNM facility Thursday.

“It is absolutely critical for New Mexico to continue to allow the full range of reproductive health services that women need, including abortion services,” Levine said.

UNM officials told KOB 4 they’re committed to taking on extra patients.

“If the decision follows the outline of the draft, then it’s going to severely impact women’s reproductive health rights and the ability to receive the full range of services in many states,” Levine said. “To be able to provide those services for women in New Mexico, and for many other states, they need to look to expand those services. We’ll work to support them.”