Submitted by Elizabeth Phillips
State Representative Stefani Lord’s recent letter attributes New Mexico’s low rankings in areas such as crime, education, addiction, and child welfare to progressive Democratic policies. While these concerns are critical, her argument misrepresents both the intent and impact of these policies, relying on emotionally charged issues like late-term abortions, “sex-altering” surgeries for minors, and menstruation supplies in restrooms. In an effort to utilize critical thinking rather than emotional rhetoric, it’s essential to examine these claims in detail and provide a factual, evidence-based response.
Her criticism that New Mexico “is one of the late-term abortion capitals of the country” is hyperbole that is used to influence people by using an emotionally charged claim that does not exist in reality. Rep. Lord cites late-term abortions as a result of progressive policies, but the term “late-term abortion” is misleading. It lacks medical definition and is intended to evoke a negative and emotional connotation. Abortions after 21 weeks are extremely rare, constituting less than 1% of all abortions in the U.S., and are typically performed only when the fetus has a fatal condition or when the mother’s life is at risk. Restricting access to safe abortions can lead to dangerous consequences rather than support the efforts to improve the quality of healthcare in New Mexico.
Another knee-jerk claim that Rep. Lord made to rally support suggests a lack of understanding of the spectrum of biological sex. This may be a result of the “traditional” educational system that Rep. Lord recognizes as failing the students of the state. The spectrum of biological sex is more complex than the traditional binary understanding of male and female. Scientifically, biological sex is determined by a combination of several factors. These factors don’t always align perfectly, leading to a diversity of sex characteristics beyond the male-female binary. This biological reality recognizes that sex exists on a spectrum rather than as a strict either-or categorization. Scientists use the term intersex to describe individuals whose biological sex characteristics don’t fit typical definitions of male or female, and intersex conditions occur naturally in about 1 in 1,500 to 2,000 births.
Providing menstrual products in boys’ bathrooms is part of broader efforts to support ALL students who may experience menstruation. This initiative does not negatively affect educational outcomes or broader societal problems, but instead fosters inclusivity. Claims that this policy undermines traditional values miss the broader picture: ensuring ALL students feel safe and supported in school is part of improving educational environments and could potentially help outcomes, not hinder them.
Rep. Lord’s letter also highlights concerns over so-called “sex-altering” surgeries for minors, another emotionally charged issue aimed to lure the misinformed. However, it’s important to clarify that such surgeries for minors are exceedingly rare and, when they do occur, they are done under strict medical supervision and often require parental consent. The broader conversation around gender-affirming care focuses on social support and counseling, not surgical procedures. Denying care to transgender and intersexed youth can exacerbate mental health struggles, a key concern in addressing New Mexico’s high rates of youth suicide and mental health challenges.
The idea that New Mexico’s crime rates are a result of a “catch-and-release” criminal justice system fails to consider deeper structural issues. High rates of poverty, substance abuse, and lack of access to mental health services contribute significantly to crime. Focusing solely on punitive measures does not solve these root causes. In fact, progressive policies that invest in rehabilitation, community policing, and mental health services have been shown to reduce recidivism and crime in other regions. Addressing these core issues, rather than just increasing incarceration, is a more effective long-term solution.
Increasing taxes and changes to medical malpractice laws are complex issues, but the idea that higher taxes automatically lead to negative outcomes is overly simplistic. Taxes fund essential services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare, all of which can improve New Mexico’s rankings if properly managed. The changes to medical malpractice laws aim to protect patients and ensure accountability in the healthcare system, which is crucial for improving public trust in healthcare and access to quality care.
Rep. Lord criticizes changes to New Mexico’s election code that allow felons to vote. However, restoring voting rights to felons who have served their time is a widely supported reform that promotes reintegration into society. Evidence suggests that restoring voting rights can reduce recidivism by giving former felons a sense of civic responsibility and engagement. Additionally, Rep. Lord’s party’s presidential nominee has 34 felonies himself. If convicted felons who have not served jail time can run for the highest office in the land, shouldn’t those who have paid their debts to society be able to at least vote?
Rep. Lord’s criticism of Emerge New Mexico, an organization that empowers women and non-binary people to run for public office, is particularly troubling. In a state like New Mexico, where we see a lack of diverse representation in government, organizations like Emerge are essential for bringing fresh perspectives and solutions to the table. Empowering underrepresented groups to engage in politics leads to a more inclusive government that better reflects the needs and experiences of its citizens. Rep. Lord’s attacks on such an organization reflect a narrow viewpoint that ignores the importance of diverse voices in policymaking.
While Rep. Lord implies that traditional values would solve these issues, the reality is that clinging to outdated policies often exacerbates problems rather than resolves them. Progressive policies that focus on inclusivity, access to healthcare, education reform, and criminal justice reform are designed to address the root causes of New Mexico’s low national rankings.
Instead of viewing progressive policies as the cause of New Mexico’s struggles, we should recognize that many of these policies aim to address the systemic issues—poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate education funding—that are the true drivers of the state’s challenges. To improve New Mexico’s rankings in these critical areas, the focus should be on evidence-based solutions that prioritize people’s well-being over divisive political rhetoric.
