Legislation To Protect Children and Mothers From Rapists Clears House Committee

Santa Fe Legislation that would give women the option to eliminate the parental rights of a biological
father when the pregnancy is the result of rape cleared its first committee on Wednesday. Representative
Conrad James and Democratic Representative Georgene Louis are sponsoring the bill. The vote cleared
the House Regulations And Public Affairs Committee by a unanimous 7-0 vote.
A mother has every right to protect herself and her child, James said. Passing this bill is the right thing
to do for New Mexicos children and mothers.
Currently, someone who committed rape is entitled to child custody and parental visitation.
I am glad to be working with my Republican colleague on such an important piece of legislation that
protects women and children, Louis said.
This legislation gives the victim the ability to terminate the rights to the biological father. By doing so, the
mother can ensure that the rapist will not have access to her child. Similar legislation is already in place
and under consideration in several states.
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