House OKs protections for out-of-state abortion seekers, providers after heated debate

Mar. 17—The conflict between abortion rights advocates and those opposing the procedure ignited Friday on the House floor over a bill that would offer protections for patients and providers from out-of-state investigations.

Senate Bill 13 — which also stirred passionate debate in the Senate — predominantly protects medical providers of reproductive care and out-of-state patients from civil or criminal action by states where abortion is not legal.

The 38-30 House vote on SB 13 did not run entirely along partisan lines. Six Democrats joined 24 Republicans in opposing the bill.

The measure, which also offers protections for transgender people seeking care, now goes to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for her signature. The governor, who supports abortion rights and recently signed the Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act, is expected to sign SB 13 into law.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-oks-protections-state-abortion-033300792.html