Gov. Walz Signs Bill Enshrining Abortion, Sterilization Into State Law
ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation Tuesday that enshrines access to abortion, contraception and sterilization into state law.
The bill also prevents local government entities — like cities or counties — from restricting access to abortions.
“Last November, Minnesotans spoke loud and clear: They want their reproductive rights protected — not taken away,” Walz said in a statement.
“Today we are making good on our promise to erect a firewall against efforts to reverse reproductive freedom. Regardless of who sits on the Minnesota Supreme Court, this legislation will ensure that Minnesota residents have access to reproductive health care for generations to come. Here in Minnesota, your access to reproductive health care and your freedom to make your own health care decisions are respected and protected.”
Democrats voted against an amendment that would have banned third-trimester abortions. Another proposed amendment that would require the licensing of abortion facilities also failed.
Based on a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling titled Doe v. Gomez, abortion is already legal in the state. But after the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June, Minnesota Democrats want access to abortion to be enshrined in state law.
Republicans and anti-abortionists called the law extreme.
“The Democrats’ taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand agenda is extreme and not in tune with the people of Minnesota,” Minnesota Republican Party Chairman David Hann said in a statement earlier this month.
“To be clear, the PRO Act would mean that it would be legal for any baby to have an abortion for any reason at any point up until birth,” said Cathy Blaeser of Minnesota Citizens Concerned For Life.
“The absolutist extremism of this bill would place Minnesota in the company of only a handful of countries worldwide, including China and North Korea. Mothers and babies deserve a far more humane and compassionate approach.”
A University of St. Thomas law professor says the sweeping nature of Minnesota’s abortion law could make it harder for the state to prosecute sex crimes, including human trafficking and assault.
A second major abortion law making its way through the Minnesota legislature would overturn state laws protecting babies born alive after a failed abortion.
Read more here: MN Bill removes protections for babies born after abortion
