MEDICAL CARE FOR ALL INFANTS BORN ALIVE

HB 234 requires healthcare providers to provide immediate, medically appropriate care to any infant born alive during childbirth or abortion procedures, regardless of gestational age. It defines "born alive" as an infant showing signs of life (breathing, heartbeat, etc.) and mandates reporting of care failures to law enforcement. The bill creates criminal penalties for intentionally harming or killing such infants and allows civil lawsuits for violations, including triple damages. It also establishes a task force to monitor compliance and requires monthly inspections of abortion facilities. This law directly affects healthcare providers, hospitals, and abortion clinics in New Mexico.