News & Commentary

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico announced that Walgreen Co. has given the organization assurance that individual pharmacists’ personal religious beliefs will not prevent customers from filling their birth control prescriptions at any of their pharmacies nationwide. The ACLU of New Mexico, the Southwest Women’s Law Center (SWLC) and Walgreen Co. have been in discussions since a pharmacist at an Albuquerque Walgreens location refused to fill the birth control prescriptions of two women due to his religious beliefs. The ACLU of New Mexico and SWLC believe that this act constitutes sex discrimination and is unlawful under the New Mexico Human Rights Act.

The labels "pro-choice" and "pro-life" just aren't working anymore. These two terms have defined the battle lines of the abortion issue for decades, but they simply don't reflect how people actually feel about abortion. It's a complicated issue that engenders a whole range of opinions. So instead of trying to fit everyone into one of these two boxes, we need to meet people where they are by talking about abortion in terms everyone can access. The message is simple: we shouldn't interfere with a woman's personal medical decisions because we're NOT IN HER SHOES. Watch this short video for a quick explanation of how this message can change the conversations we have about abortion:

 

FREEDOM TO LOVE By Phil Bock Freedom To Love and freedom to choose: That's what we all are fighting for. Just to show affection, freely without fear, And have protection from the law. It shouldn't matter how we look or how we talk, We're equal even if we're fe

It is a core American value that elected officials and public servants, from teachers to police officers, should be held accountable for their actions, and that government agencies should be transparent in their operations. Border Patrol agents,

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"Pregnant and parenting teens are future doctors, lawyers, police officers, etc. They are capable of success, and it is our job to support their academic goals." -Melissa Romero, Teen Parent

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In honor of our fiftieth year defending freedom in New Mexico, the ACLU of New Mexico has produced a film highlighting the accomplishments, key legal victories and the values that drive the organization.  A special thanks to all of the volunteers and supporters who make our critical work possible. We  look forward to continuing the fight  for basic liberties in New Mexico for the next fifty years and beyond.