Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham last Sunday announced an initiative to invite Texas doctors to consider relocating to their neighboring state of New Mexico in response to Texas’ “draconian abortion ban.”
The governor made a direct appeal to Texas health care providers, taking out a full-page ad in five major Texas newspapers last Sunday. The ads contained an “open letter” to “Texas healthcare providers,” telling them they were welcome in New Mexico to practice medicine without restrictions.
“I know that legal restrictions on health care in Texas have created a heavy burden on doctors – especially those of you who are now prohibited by law from providing the full spectrum of reproductive health care. It must be distressing that a draconian ban on abortion has restricted your right to abortion and turned it into a political weapon,” wrote Lujan Grisham in the open letter.
“I certainly respect those of you who remain committed to caring for patients in Texas, but I also invite those of you who can no longer tolerate these restrictions to consider practicing next door in New Mexico,” she added.
Lujan Grisham said her state is “taking steps” to ensure that New Mexico does not follow Texas in passing restrictive abortion laws.
“You have my word: I will never interfere with the fundamental right of healthcare professionals to care for their patients in New Mexico,” she wrote at the end of the letter. “Whether you are a nurse, resident, physician assistant or physician, we cordially and enthusiastically invite you to the Land of Enchantment, where you are free to care for your patients.”
Texas has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, prohibiting the practice in almost all circumstances. Private citizens can sue health care providers and those who help women seeking abortions at approximately six weeks. Texas is one of 22 states in the country with abortion bans or restrictions more severe than the standard established by Roe v. Wade. Wade, which was voided in 2022.
Lujan Grisham’s letter is part of a larger initiative called the “Free to Provide” campaign. In July, the effort was behind six billboards placed around the Houston Medical Center that he said“Come to New Mexico where you are free to provide.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, responded to the initiative in a statement to CNN.
“People and businesses vote with their feet and continually choose to move to Texas more than any other state in the country. Governor Lujan Grisham should focus on her state’s rapidly declining population rather than political maneuvering,” Mahaleris told CNN.
The Hill has reached out to Abbott’s office for comment.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24090214/STK171_VRG_Illo_4_Normand_ElonMusk_04.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1 "Texas Judge Who Owns Tesla Stock Refuses to Join Advertiser X Lawsuit")
