New Mexico Probe Into Indigenous Women's Forced Sterilization Faces Delays

Advocates warn the investigation may not meet its 2027 deadline due to challenges in gaining trust and accessing records.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty hospital room or medical office, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows, conveying a sense of somber history and the sensitive nature of the investigation into forced sterilization of Indigenous women.This investigation into the forced sterilization of Indigenous women in New Mexico aims to uncover a painful history and provide healing, but faces significant hurdles in rebuilding trust and accessing records.Santa Fe Today

New Mexico's investigation into the forced sterilization of Indigenous women will take longer than expected, advocates warn. The state-approved probe has until December 2027 to release its findings, but officials say the timeline may be too tight due to the sensitive nature of the issue and difficulties in obtaining necessary records from the Indian Health Service.

Why it matters

The forced sterilization of Indigenous women in the U.S. is a dark chapter in history that has had lasting impacts on these communities. This investigation aims to uncover the full scope of these abuses in New Mexico and provide acknowledgement and healing for victims, but the process faces significant hurdles in rebuilding trust and accessing documentation.

The details

The New Mexico Senate Memorial 14 directed the Commission on the Status of Women and the Indian Affairs Department to investigate cases of coerced sterilization between 1907 and 2018. However, officials say the investigation may struggle to meet its 2027 deadline, as it will rely heavily on sensitive testimony from Indigenous people who may be hesitant to share their stories due to a history of distrust in the medical system. Obtaining records from the Indian Health Service is also expected to be a major challenge.

  • The investigation has until December 2027 to release its findings.
  • The probe was approved by state lawmakers in 2026.

The players

Josett Monette

The cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department.

Rachael Lorenzo

The executive director of Indigenous Women Rising, an advocacy group for reproductive rights within the Indigenous community.

Elena Giacci

A historical trauma education specialist on sexual violence and human rights advocate who is a researcher for Senate Memorial 14.

Keely Badger

A researcher for Senate Memorial 14 who previously faced difficulties obtaining information from the Indian Health Service.

Linda López

A New Mexico state senator and co-sponsor of Senate Memorial 14.

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What they’re saying

“December 2027 sounds like a far way away, but it's not. It's going to go really quick. Some of the investigation will be a little difficult and time consuming. I'm not sure if we're going to get everything done in time.”

— Josett Monette, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Indian Affairs Department

“Considering the history of forced sterilization and the distrust that our native communities have of the Western medical system and doctors, it could take a long time. It could take up to a year just to get the word out that this investigation is happening, and recruitment could take a while, getting people together to share their stories and getting them comfortable with sharing their stories.”

— Rachael Lorenzo, Executive Director, Indigenous Women Rising

“When it comes to any kind of government entity ... that can be a lengthy process, but there are other avenues that we could come by the information we need to make decisions and hopefully make sure that this never happens again.”

— Rachael Lorenzo, Executive Director, Indigenous Women Rising

“They weren't willing to really give her any kind of information no matter what she filed. That's where we're looking at the state or our government entities to step in and say, 'Look, you need to do this. You need to provide this information.'”

— Elena Giacci, Researcher, Senate Memorial 14

“Everybody that I've talked to is committed to trying to see this go forward, is committed to making sure that our community is aware, is committed to making sure that truth gets out.”

— Elena Giacci, Researcher, Senate Memorial 14

What’s next

The investigation team plans to identify all known cases of coerced and forced sterilization, and create an educational curriculum based on the findings to provide acknowledgement and understanding for affected families.

The takeaway

This investigation faces significant challenges in rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities and accessing necessary records, but advocates remain committed to uncovering the full truth about this dark chapter in history and ensuring it never happens again.