Latinas Stand with New Mexico Women

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health stands with Young Women United and Strong Families, leaders of the Respect ABQ Women campaign, to condemn the City of Albuquerque ballot measure that would create medically unnecessary restrictions to safe and legal abortion services in the city, and effectively, throughout New Mexico.  On Nov. 19, voters will decide on the measure.  The measure, proposed by out of state groups, would copy other restrictions to abortion care that exist in several states. During the first six months of 2013, state legislatures adopted 43 restrictions on access to abortion care.
“Every day, we see federal policies designed to further erode Latinas’ access to abortion, including restrictions on insurance coverage,” said Jessica González-Rojas, executive director of National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. “Given the severe health disparities that Latinas experience, our community needs the full range of reproductive health services, including abortion. Our polling shows that our community supports the ability of Latinas to make personal, private decisions without the interference of politicians. I’m disheartened that out-of-state groups are attempting to limit important reproductive health care for Latinas. We stand with our local partners in Albuquerque in condemning this dangerous ballot measure.”
“We welcome the solidarity of our national partners across the country as we face this fight in our own city. As New Mexico leaders, both Young Women United and Strong Families New Mexico have proven experience organizing with women and their families to defeat attacks on abortion and reproductive health care. As leaders of the Respect ABQ Women campaign, we know that women don’t want politicians interfering with their ability to make decisions about their own health. Women all over Albuquerque and across our state are rising up with Young Women United and Strong Families New Mexico to support the health and safety of our women and families,” says Adriann Barboa, field director at Strong Families New Mexico.
Tannia Esparza, executive director for Young Women United states, “As a Latina and daughter of immigrants, my family worked hard to make sure I had what I needed to thrive and instilled in me a deep commitment to social justice for my communities. In Albuquerque, Latino/a families like mine continue to make tough decisions every day to make their families strong. New Mexican Families deserve honest and respectful conversations about abortion and not the violent tactics of out of state groups. Together, our families respect Albuquerque women, and will be ready to Vote NO on this harmful ballot measure so that we can keep these deeply private decisions where they belong, with us.”
The developments in Albuquerque come on the heels of a positive step for abortion access in California.  Last week, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 154, the Early Access to Abortion bill, into law.  Women in California will now have access to an increased pool of qualified health care providers who can provide this needed care on a timely basis, reducing their need for significant travel.
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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national organization working on behalf of the reproductive health and justice of the 24 million Latinas, their families and communities in the United States through public education, community mobilization and policy advocacy.
Strong Families is the national initiative of Forward Together that works with over 100 community based organizations across the country to change how we think, feel, and act about families. Strong Families is working to make sure all our families have the resources and recognition they need to thrive. Young Women United and National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health are part of the Leadership Team of Strong Families.  Together, we change policy at the local and national levels.