ABQ Times

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, representatives from The University of New Mexico Health System, and the Reproductive Health Care Success Project broke ground on a clinic that aims to expand reproductive health care and improve maternal health outcomes for women in Southern New Mexico.

The new Reproductive Health Center in Las Cruces is intended to address the need for expanded health care services in underserved areas of New Mexico. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of access to reproductive health care, stating, "Access to reproductive health care should be a fundamental human right. Once completed, this clinic will stand as a testament to our state’s commitment to reproductive freedom for residents of New Mexico, and also those who travel here from out-of-state in need of this care."

In collaboration with the Reproductive Health Care Success Project (RHSP), which includes Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Strong Families NM, and Bold Futures, UNM Health initiated construction on an estimated 8,000 square foot clinic. The RHSP is a community-advised initiative designed to meet the needs of thousands who have lacked basic reproductive health care access for decades.

The clinic's completion is expected within 12-18 months and will offer services including medication and procedural abortion, miscarriage management, various contraception options, pregnancy loss support and management, lactation support, women's preventative care such as STI and cancer screenings, adoption education and resources, limited primary care services like cervical cancer screenings and sexual health checkups, as well as doula support.

Mike Richards, MD, MPA, Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences & CEO of UNM Health System stated: "We thank Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for her vision on this project. The governor has championed the idea of making reproductive health care more accessible... We’re proud to stand alongside the governor and our partners as we help grow our state’s health care delivery system in Southern New Mexico."

Funding for the project includes $10 million appropriated by Gov. Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature to UNM for land acquisition and construction. In May 2024, the UNM Board of Regents approved acquiring land in Doña Ana County for housing the clinic.

Southern New Mexicans face several barriers preventing them from accessing reproductive health care such as high costs, long distances to providers without public transportation options or insurance coverage issues. Eve Espey MD MPH Professor Chair Obstetrics Gynecology UNM School Medicine noted “I see women my practice Albuquerque often who made significant sacrifices make their appointments That should not case Reproductive healthcare should accessible I’m proud our work open Las Cruces Center makes type much more accessible thousands southern”

Upon opening students resident physicians train learn opportunities expand exposing diverse populations encouraging continue practicing rural settings Charlene Bencomo Executive Director Bold Futures NM commented “Today’s momentous groundbreaking next step year’s long process truly captured needs community providers experts been doing work years Community advised full spectrum necessity today one closer”

Economic development contractors expected come spur dozens jobs RHSP hopes healthcare providers working inside local allowing stronger connection patients language cultural competency shared values Adriann Barboa Director Strong Families said “Through process local leaders created thanks partnership people all over rural increased closer home”