BREAKING: NM Senate Dems Push Bill to Expand School Clinics, Keep Parents in the Dark.
$2 Million Funding for School Clinics Includes "Reproductive & Sexual Health Services"
Senate Bill 67 was introduced in the legislature earlier this week proposing $2 million in taxpayer funds for the New Mexico Department of Health to expand "school based health clinics," that offer sexual and reproductive health services--without parental consent.
There are 78 School Based Health Clinics [SBHCs] across New Mexico.—at least 70 of these clinics offer “sexual and reproductive health services,” to school aged children according to the New Mexico Alliance for School Based Clinics.
Some of the "sexual health services" include, IUD insertion, IUD removal, diaphragms, "cervical cap for contraceptive use," "intrauterine copper contraceptive," "spermicidal agent" and "Plan B or similar emergency contraception," (see more here)-- but also includes abortion referrals.
The New Mexico Department of Health claims an "improved health outcome" is the "reduction in unintended pregnancies in SBHC users by 40 percent."
"School based clinics are not only promoting sexual activity related services without parental consent, but also abortion referrals-- this should alarm every concerned parent in the state," said Elisa Martinez, NMAFL executive director.
Senator Gregg Schmedes, the only practicing medical professional in the legislature, said, "This is a big issue for my constituents who are concerned about transparency in schools. I would be a firm yes on this issue because school based health clinics are great in general.... but they are providing contraception for teenage girls without parental involvement and [referrals for] abortion...we are driving a wedge between kids and parents its just a huge issue for parents in my district."
There are 78 School Based Health Clinics [SBHCs] across New Mexico.—at least 70 of these clinics offer “sexual and reproductive health services,” to school aged children according to the New Mexico Alliance for School Based Clinics.
Some of the "sexual health services" include, IUD insertion, IUD removal, diaphragms, "cervical cap for contraceptive use," "intrauterine copper contraceptive," "spermicidal agent" and "Plan B or similar emergency contraception," (see more here)-- but also includes abortion referrals.
The New Mexico Department of Health claims an "improved health outcome" is the "reduction in unintended pregnancies in SBHC users by 40 percent."
"School based clinics are not only promoting sexual activity related services without parental consent, but also abortion referrals-- this should alarm every concerned parent in the state," said Elisa Martinez, NMAFL executive director.
Senator Gregg Schmedes, the only practicing medical professional in the legislature, said, "This is a big issue for my constituents who are concerned about transparency in schools. I would be a firm yes on this issue because school based health clinics are great in general.... but they are providing contraception for teenage girls without parental involvement and [referrals for] abortion...we are driving a wedge between kids and parents its just a huge issue for parents in my district."
ACTION ALERT: SB 67 will be heard before the Senate Finance Committee any day --
Contact members of the committee and tell them to vote NO on SB 67, Expand School Based Clinics!
Senator George Munoz, (505) 986-4371
Senator Nancy Rodriguez, (505) 986-4264
Senator William Sharer, (505) 986-4381
Senator William Burt, (505) 986-4366
Senator Pete Campos, (505) 986-4311
Senator Crystal Diamond, (505) 986-4703
Senator Bobby Gonzales, (505) 986-4362
Senator Siah Correa Hemphill, (505) 986-4863
Senator Michael Padilla, (505) 986-4267
SenatorJeff Steinborn, (505) 986-4862
Senator Pat Woods, (505) 986-4393
Contact members of the committee and tell them to vote NO on SB 67, Expand School Based Clinics!
Senator George Munoz, (505) 986-4371
Senator Nancy Rodriguez, (505) 986-4264
Senator William Sharer, (505) 986-4381
Senator William Burt, (505) 986-4366
Senator Pete Campos, (505) 986-4311
Senator Crystal Diamond, (505) 986-4703
Senator Bobby Gonzales, (505) 986-4362
Senator Siah Correa Hemphill, (505) 986-4863
Senator Michael Padilla, (505) 986-4267
SenatorJeff Steinborn, (505) 986-4862
Senator Pat Woods, (505) 986-4393
