New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order further expanding access to reproductive healthcare in the state, according to an Aug. 31 news release from the governor's office.
The executive order builds on efforts to increase affordable healthcare, safeguard abortion access, and protect state healthcare providers. It designates $10 million of the governor's capital outlay funds for developing a reproductive healthcare clinic in Doña Ana County, which will fortify and expand state residents' access to full spectrum reproductive healthcare.
The executive order also directs the health department to develop a detailed plan to leverage resources to expand abortion access in rural and underserved parts of the state and work to make abortion medications available in public health clinics, reduce wait times and increase access statewide. Additionally, the order directs the Human Service Department to implement policies that improve the efficiency and sustainability of reproductive healthcare for residents.
"As more states move to restrict and prohibit access to reproductive care, New Mexico will continue to not only protect access to abortion, but to expand and strengthen reproductive health care throughout the state," Ms. Lujan Grisham said in a statement.