SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ABORTIONS

SB 371 establishes new safety standards for abortion services in New Mexico. It requires that all abortions (except medication abortions) must be performed by a licensed physician in a health facility licensed by the health care authority, while medication abortions must be prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. The bill also amends existing law to ensure public entities cannot restrict access to reproductive health care that meets the medical standard of care, which now includes these facility and provider requirements. Violating these provisions could result in civil penalties of up to $5,000.