Minnesota House committee approves bill that would protect abortion rights
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Minnesota House panel on Thursday advanced a proposal to protect abortion rights in state law, the first step for legislation on the fast track that Democrats see as a top priority now that they have full control at the capitol.
The Protect Reproductive Options Act, referred to by the shorthand "PRO Act," passed out of a health committee on an 11-8 party line vote. It would establish a "fundamental right to make autonomous decisions" about reproductive health, including contraception, fertility treatments and abortion.
"This past election voters spoke decisively and told us they believe every Minnesotan should be able to make their own reproductive health care decisions," said Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, DFL-Eden Prairie.
Nearly two dozen people showed up to the Thursday morning public hearing to voice their support or concern with the passage. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned last June, Dr. Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States, said the provider has seen a 13% increase in patients seeking abortion from out of the region.
Neighboring states to Minnesota have more restrictions—or outright bans.
A Minnesota Supreme court ruling from nearly 30 years ago determined Minnesotans are guaranteed a right to an abortion under the state constitution, but advocates say it needs to be spelled out in law to boost protections.
"Minnesota's abortion access is critical right now for Minnesotans and for people across the country," Traxler said. "We need to PRO Act so all Minnesotans and all patients know they are welcome here. We must reassure them that Minnesota supports them, and our commitment to their reproductive rights and health care will not change."
Those against the proposal called it "reckless" and "dangerous" for women. Republicans tried but failed to amend the bill to prohibit abortions in the third trimester and require certain abortions be performed in a hospital.
"This bill codifies the absolute most extreme position on abortion that allows full access to any abortion at any point in pregnancy up until 40 weeks," Rep. Anne Neu Brindley, R-North Branch. "This is the most extreme position on abortion probably in the world."
The future of abortion in America is taking shape in state capitols across the county after the fall of Roe. If the legislation passes in St. Paul, which is likely, Minnesota would join a handful of states taking steps to better protect access to the procedure in wake of the Supreme Court decision in June, according to an analysis by the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Liz Padilla told lawmakers she was thrilled to learn she was pregnant with a boy. At the 18-week appointment, she said her physician told her the ultrasound showed he was "not compatible with life" and that the news devastated her.
"I've never for a second questioned my decision to get that abortion," Padilla said. "Continuing that pregnancy would've been detrimental mentally and emotionally."
"Access to a safe, legal abortion gave me agency in a terrible circumstance. It ended my suffering," she added.
Tami Barry of Otter Tail County said her 17-year-old got an abortion a decade ago and she didn't learn of the procedure until later.
"The grief is real. The after-effect of that decision is devastating," Barry said. "At no one time did anyone tell her there were other options or tell her this could harm her mental health for years to come."
A Ramsey County judge last summer ruled that several of Minnesota's abortion restrictions are unconstitutional, including a 24-hour waiting period and parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion.
The bill will be heard in two other committees in the House before moving to the floor for a vote. It could pass both chambers and advance to Gov. Tim Walz's desk for signature as early as later this month.
Also on Thursday, DFL lawmakers introduced a bill that would allow 21-year-olds to buy, sell, and use marijuana. It would also expunge low-level cannabis convictions. Walz also signaled that he is ready to sign the bill when it comes to his desk.
