AlamogordoTownNews.com Supreme Court Rulings Bring Protestors and Comments to Alamogordo's Streets

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion that was guaranteed nearly 50 years ago by the decision in Roe v. Wade. Depending upon the side of the debate the term overturned is considered incorrect. Those on the "right" claim they kicked the decision of abortion back to the states and it is a state's rights issue. Similar arguments have been made since the founding of the nation, from the issue of slavery to the question of a womans right to vote there has been constant debate on what decisions need federal oversight and which need state oversight. The Libertarian point of view is to keep both state and federal governments out of most decisions and allow the individual's rights prevail. The left seems to think this decision is a ban on aborting. In reality it may turn into a ban or near ban in about 24 states. The remaining 26 have more liberal interpretations.

The ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization was released Friday morning. The justices, voting 6-3 along ideological lines, sided with the Mississippi abortion law that was in question.

Reactions were mixed across the country, with anti-abortion-rights supporters celebrating what they view as a victory, and abortion-rights activists expressing their frustration over the decision. Here are some local thoughts…

In New Mexico, already there is messaging to Texas and surrounding states that New Mexico is open to safe medical abortions. However, the fact is only 3 counties in New Mexico have abortion clinics that provide services and only 1 provides full surgical services and none of those 3 counties are Otero County. Otero has taken a conservative view on abortion services.

AlamogordoTownNews.com reached out to comment to leaders of both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party and then snapped a few photos from today's protest at the corner of 10th Street and White Sands of protestors against the Supreme Court ruling. 

Joshua Beasley, interim Chairman of the Otero Republican Party issued the following quote to us: "we are incredibly pleased that the Supreme Court finally stood up on a moral issue. Of all the other arguments  that the other side will spew, the truth is the only thing that has changed is the issue has finally been kicked back to the state level, where it should have been all along. I urge the other side to remain calm and not act like fools, all will be OK; God is good and in control!"

The official response from the New Mexico Republican Party released via a press release said.

"The Republican Party of New Mexico welcomes the historic decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Roe v Wade, a ruling that has tremendous moral and political implications.

RPNM commends the Justices in their recognition that the measure of a person or society is how they protect the vulnerable–those with the least voice. The most vulnerable are the unborn, and the Court acknowledged that there’s little dispute that life begins earlier than what was believed in 1973 when Roe v Wade legalized abortion.

“The Supreme Court decision is in the best interest of our nation and protects the unborn,” said RPNM Chairman Steve Pearce. “The Justices have upheld and recognized their duty to protect the lives of the unborn and to abolish the horrors of abortion. The Court has successfully challenged court precedent and has legally established the right to life in the womb. Abortion is wrong on moral grounds, and I and everyone who stand for life am pleased at the outcome and that the Court has ruled to protect the sanctity of life.”

The landmark decision in 1973 had many flaws.

First, the Constitutional guarantee for abortion was murky at best and could never be adequately explained by the Justices.

Secondly, it limited abortions to the first trimester, but that thinking was extended into late-term abortions, even up to the day of birth. New Mexico is one of those states that allows such late-term abortions—an act that’s unconscionable. New Mexico is known as the late-term abortion capital of the nation.

Another major problem for the Supreme Court centered on knowing when life begins. Science and evidence show that that life begins much earlier than what was believed 50 years ago. The Court agreed and took this into consideration when ruling to strike down the law.

On the political front, this ruling will mean that states will determine laws restricting or permitting abortion. The progressives are insistent that their view is correct. That will be proven in state elections. If more states elect pro-abortion candidates, then their view will prevail. If, on the other hand, states follow the lead of Mississippi to restrict late-term abortions, then the opposite view will prevail.

State elections will be even more critical, and electing conservative, pro-life governors and legislatures will help ensure abortions are restricted.

This is the right thing to do.

Finally, it’s abhorrent that the draft of the opinion was leaked. This was an absolute breach of trust, reprehensible and deeply disturbing to know that this was released to perhaps manipulate the decision. This leak is a felony, and authorities must investigate and prosecute those responsible.

RPNM welcomes this major Supreme Court ruling and believes it’s in the best interest of our country."

We reached to the local Otero County Democratic Chairperson, Jeff Swanson. Mr. Swanson expressed his "personal hopes that reproductive choices will eventually be expanded in the U.S., but it will require much change in political representation."  He also expressed that he felt; "the founders of the nation never intended the Supreme Court to have as much power as the court does now."  

The official Democratic Party response came from the state Democratic Committee released via a press release with the contact of Delaney Corcoran: 

Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Jessica Velasquez released the following statement in reaction to the US Supreme Court’s decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade:

“The Supreme Court’s decision today overturns nearly 50 years of precedent and robs countless Americans of their right to decide when and how they may choose to grow a family.

“The pain that this decision will inflict on people across the nation is immeasurable, but we cannot give up the fight. At this dismaying moment in history, it’s our duty to do everything possible to safeguard the right to an abortion at the local and state level, and fight to reinstate those protections nationwide.

“The stakes are high this election year. Republican candidate for Governor, Mark Ronchetti promises to make abortion illegal and wants to pass policies that punish women and their doctors for making their own healthcare decisions. The GOP candidate for Lt. Governor, Ant Thornton, believes that abortion should be illegal with no exception, even in cases of rape or incest, or when the mother's life is at risk.

“Additionally, each New Mexican GOP congressional candidate including Alexis Martinez Johnson and Yvette Herrell have made it clear that they strongly support the undoing of the protections of Roe v. Wade and want to undermine access to abortion across the country. Herrell even co-sponsored legislation that would ban all abortion, even when the woman’s life is at risk, and restrict access to commonly used contraceptives.

“That is why it’s more important than ever to commit to electing Democratic leaders who will protect reproductive freedom in New Mexico and work to enshrine abortion rights in national law. Like US Representative Melanie Stansbury, who during her tenure in New Mexico’s state legislature, voted to repeal New Mexico’s antiquated abortion ban. We must maintain our diligence in electing Democrats up-and-down the ballot, year after year, to ensure our pro-choice laws remain in place in New Mexico.

“Even as we mourn the loss of constitutional liberties and personal freedom that is inflicted on us today, we are as determined as ever to continue this fight.”

The citizens of Otero County and Alamogordo were relatively quiet in their response to the court's ruling on Friday. A post that appeared late yesterday evening on Facebook inviting the public to a "Peaceful Abortion Rights Rally" 11 am to 1 pm at the corner of 10th Street and White Sands. The protest began at 11 am and was peaceful. About 50 to 60 people showed up and there was minimal negative interaction at the stoplight between protestors and passer byers.  Photos of the protest are below.  

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

AlamogordoTownNews.com Abortion Rights Protest Alamogordo 10th and White Sands Blvd

The primary having been certified this past Friday means recounts of close races will proceed and the election of November 2022 will move forward in Otero County as per normal processes.

The election in November is sure to be an election of twists, turns and intrigue as the ideology of both major parties are on the line to persuade the voters and move the county, state and nation forward. Stay turned...

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