In a landmark decision, the New Mexico Supreme Court has overturned a controversial anti-abortion law that sought to restrict access to abortion services in the state. The ruling, which was announced on Friday, February 13, 2026, has been met with both praise and criticism from advocates on both sides of the reproductive rights debate.The law in question, known as the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," was passed by the New Mexico legislature in 2025 and sought to ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The law was immediately met with legal challenges from reproductive rights organizations, who argued that it violated the constitutional rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies.In a unanimous decision, the New Mexico Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional, citing the state's strong protections for reproductive rights under the New Mexico Constitution. The court ruled that the law placed an undue burden on women seeking abortions and violated their right to privacy and autonomy.In a statement following the ruling, Chief Justice Elena Martinez praised the decision as a victory for women's rights and reproductive freedom. "The right to make decisions about one's own body is a fundamental constitutional right that must be protected," she said. "This law would have placed unnecessary obstacles in the way of women seeking necessary medical care, and we are proud to uphold their rights."The decision was met with criticism from anti-abortion activists, who had supported the law as a way to protect the rights of unborn children. In a statement, a spokesperson for the pro-life organization New Mexicans For Life vowed to continue fighting for restrictions on abortion in the state.Despite the controversy surrounding the ruling, advocates for reproductive rights hailed it as a major victory for women in New Mexico. "This decision reaffirms that a woman's right to choose is a fundamental right that cannot be compromised," said Sarah Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Reproductive Rights Coalition. "We are thrilled that the court has stood up for women's rights and upheld the constitution in this important case."The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights in New Mexico and could set a precedent for future challenges to anti-abortion laws in the state. The decision also highlights the ongoing debate over reproductive rights in the United States, as states continue to grapple with how to balance the rights of women with the rights of unborn children.