Bill > HB234

This bill establishes comprehensive legal provisions for medical care of infants born alive, including during or after attempted abortions. The bill defines "born alive" as an infant showing evidence of life through breathing, heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation, or muscle movement, and requires healthcare providers to provide immediate and medically appropriate care to such infants. It mandates that healthcare providers cannot intentionally deny nourishment or medical treatment to a living infant, with exceptions for parents declining non-essential or potentially harmful treatments. The bill creates criminal penalties, including first-degree felony charges for intentionally killing a born alive infant, and establishes civil remedies for violations, allowing the mother to seek monetary damages. Additionally, the bill creates a five-member task force to monitor born alive births, which will develop reporting guidelines and provide yearly reports to the governor and legislature. The Department of Health is required to conduct monthly inspections of facilities offering elective abortions to ensure compliance with the new requirements. The legislation also prohibits using born alive infants for scientific research except to protect the infant's life and health, and requires healthcare workers to immediately report any violations of these provisions to law enforcement.

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https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=234&year=25