Celebrating Choice

Posted by Luke Montavon in Santa Fe

New Mexico’s 2015 Legislature is in progress, with the first Republican controlled house in 52 sessions. As such, there is cause for concern regarding reproductive choice issues as three anti-abortion bills are about to be introduced on the floor. On Jan. 29, more than 100 community members, activists and local political leaders gathered at the rotunda in the capital building to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the landmark case legalizing abortion in the United States, and to show support for women’s and reproductive rights in New Mexico. Hosted by the New Mexico Coalition for Choice, the celebration featured speeches from faith leaders, members of the house and senate, in addition to  representatives from various women’s and reproductive health organizations including but not limited to ACLU NM, Planned Parenthood NM, Santa Fe and New Mexico NOW, AAUW, SW Women’s Law Center, EQNM, SW Women’s Options, Young Women United, League of Women Voters. Participants were given colored paper with text that read “I’m here today because…”, where they were encouraged to write messages of support. The celebration ended with a honorary birthday cake.