Font ResizeSANTA FE - Freshman state Rep. Alonzo Baldonado said school nurses call home about a minor illness, but doctors in New Mexico do not have to tell parents when a girl 17 or younger wants an abortion.
Baldonado, R-Los Lunas, said Friday the system is out of whack.
He has introduced a bill that would require abortion providers to notify the parents of minor girls. His proposal is HB 229.
He said his bill would be a common-sense approach to dealing with an issue that can change lives forever.
"Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, this isn't a light decision," he said in an interview. "My personal belief is that, as a father, I need to know about health issues affecting my children."
Ann Piper, president of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico, said her organization would oppose Baldonado's bill.
"We always advocate minors working with parents on any reproductive situation," Piper said. "But we have a lot of young people who are not connected with parents or guardians. One size does not fit all."
Baldonado said he also expected opposition from legislators who say girls from violent households would be put at risk by his bill.
He described himself as an evangelical Christian and said he was following through on campaign promises to oppose abortion on demand.
Bills similar to Baldonado's were debated several times during legislative sessions of the last decade. Some received approval in the Senate, but did not make it out of House committees.
Santa Fe Bureau Chief
