Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz Sign legislation on Tuesday that codifies the “fundamental right” to access abortion and reproductive care in the state, solidifying abortion protections in law despite objections from Republican lawmakers.
The Reproductive Choices Protection Act, or PRO Act, is narrowly defined Passed successfully Minnesota Senate on Saturday. Lawmakers debated the law for more than 14 hours, as Republicans tried to add amendments, all of which were ultimately rejected. The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this month.
Walls and other Democrats have said that legislation is a top priority for this legislative session. While abortion rights are already protected in Minnesota due to a 1995 Supreme Court decision, Democrats drafted the PRO Act as a second line of defense.
“The message we’re sending to Minnesota today is very clear: Your rights are protected in this state,” Walz said at Tuesday’s signing ceremony. “Today we are making good on our promise to put up a firewall against efforts to reverse reproductive freedom. Whoever sits on the Minnesota Supreme Court, this legislation will ensure that Minnesotans have access to reproductive health care for generations to come.”
Glen Staub/Star Tribune via Getty Images
The bill codifies protections for reproductive health care, including contraception, sterilization, preconception care, maternity care, abortion care, family planning, fertility services, and advice on reproductive health care.
There are other related bills moving through the legislature, which could remove restrictions and protect patients and providers from out-of-state legal action. House Speaker Melissa Hortmann said the bills will be on the floor by the second week of February.
Republicans called the bill “dangerous” and “extreme.”
“Make no mistake, this extreme law mandates taxpayer-funded, on-demand, prenatal and even postpartum abortion,” said David Hahn, chair of the Minnesota Republican Party.
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