Key Findings
• New Mexico operates roughly 78 school-based health clinics located in or near public schools statewide
• The state currently has no parental consent requirement and no parental notification law for minors seeking abortions
• Some school-based clinics operate through partnerships with outside medical providers, including university-affiliated programs
By Bud Shaver,
Albuquerque, N.M. — New Mexico’s lack of parental notification requirements for abortion is drawing renewed scrutiny following the release of undercover videos suggesting school-based health clinics may be discussing abortion “options” with students during the school day.
The investigation has drawn attention to the statewide network of health clinics operating inside public schools, including significant concentrations within Albuquerque Public Schools.
The undercover footage, recorded at Highland High School in Albuquerque, raises additional questions about how school-based health clinics may be discussing pregnancy and abortion options, as well as transgender hormone therapy, with students during the school day.
The footage, reported by Townhall Media at Highland High School in Albuquerque, describes what the outlet characterized as school systems enabling discussions about abortion and gender-related medical issues through in-house health clinics, where students may be called out of class for private consultations about pregnancy “options,” including abortion.
📄 Read the Townhall report:
Undercover Videos Reveal New Mexico Schools Enable Trans, Abortion Activism With In-House Health Clinics.
Why This Matters
New Mexico currently has no parental notification requirement and no parental consent law for minors seeking abortions, placing the state among the least restrictive abortion policy environments in the country.
“Most parents assume they would be informed if their daughter were facing a serious medical decision,” said Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico.
“In New Mexico, that basic safeguard doesn’t exist. A minor can obtain an abortion without her parents ever being notified. Parents deserve transparency when outside medical providers are operating clinics inside public schools.”
Shaver said the issue becomes even more concerning when medical clinics operated by outside providers function inside public schools, where students may receive counseling or referrals related to abortion or transgender-related services.
The policy landscape has drawn additional attention following undercover videos involving school-based health clinics in Albuquerque.
Lack of Parental Notification Laws
Abortion Free New Mexico notes that New Mexico has some of the least restrictive abortion laws in the country.
The state has:
• No parental consent requirement
• No parental notification law
• Few regulatory safeguards governing abortion providers compared to many other states
Many states require parental notification or consent before minors obtain abortions, but New Mexico currently has neither requirement.
“When a state removes parental notification safeguards while also allowing medical clinics inside schools, parents are left completely in the dark,” Shaver said.
Statewide Network of School-Based Health Clinics
School-based health clinics in New Mexico are typically operated through partnerships between public schools and outside medical providers, including community health organizations and university-affiliated medical programs.
Some clinics operate through partnerships connected to the University of New Mexico health system, which participates in several school-based health initiatives in Albuquerque.
Abortion Free New Mexico’s investigative map highlights:
- Approximately 78 school-based health clinics statewide
- Large concentrations in Albuquerque and other urban areas
- Programs operated through partnerships with university medical systems, community health providers and tribal health providers
- Click here for the full NEW MEXICO SBHC DIRECTORY
“When medical services involving minors move inside public schools- including potential referrals for abortion– parents deserve transparency.” — Tara Shaver
Largest Concentration Located in Albuquerque
Abortion Free New Mexico notes that Albuquerque Public Schools hosts the largest (26) concentration of school-based health clinics in the state.
Several of these clinics operate through partnerships with outside medical providers and university-affiliated health programs.
“Most parents assume they would be informed if their daughter were facing a serious medical decision. In New Mexico, that basic safeguard doesn’t exist.”
— Tara Shaver, Abortion Free New Mexico
Under current New Mexico law, minors can obtain abortions without parental consent or notification.
Calls for Federal Review of Taxpayer Funding
Abortion Free New Mexico also says the issue raises broader questions about how federal taxpayer funds may be flowing into programs connected to abortion-related services in New Mexico.
The state is among the most federally dependent in the country, receiving billions of dollars annually through programs such as Medicaid, federal education funding, and public health grants.
AFNM says that reliance on federal funding makes it important to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not indirectly supporting programs connected to abortion referrals in school-based clinics.
“Given New Mexico’s reliance on federal funding, federal agencies should review whether taxpayer dollars are supporting programs connected to abortion referrals in school-based clinics,” the organization said.
The group said a federal review could help determine whether existing safeguards and funding restrictions are being properly followed.Background:
Abortion Free New Mexico leaders have previously documented concerns involving taxpayer funding and abortion programs connected to the University of New Mexico health system.
📄 Background reports
About Abortion Free New Mexico
Abortion Free New Mexico works to promote transparency and accountability regarding abortion policy and the abortion industry in New Mexico through investigative research, public records analysis, and public policy engagement.
More information and investigative reports are available at: AbortionFreeNM.com
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