Next Battle Over Access To Abortion Will Focus On Pills
It took two trips over state lines, navigating icy roads and a patchwork of state laws, for a 32-year-old South Dakota woman to get abortion pills last year.
Watch CBS News
It took two trips over state lines, navigating icy roads and a patchwork of state laws, for a 32-year-old South Dakota woman to get abortion pills last year.
South Dakota is among several states where Republicans have moved to restrict access to abortion pills in recent months. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said additional, in-person visits for the pills and a ban on them being sent through the mail are needed to protect women and save "unborn children."
Planned Parenthood North Central States is preparing for a surge of women seeking abortions to come to Minnesota for the procedure if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
This comes the same week as a Politico report that shared a leaked draft of the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling on abortion, showing the justices appearing to be on the verge of overturning the 1973 ruling.
In Minnesota, abortion providers are required to report induced abortion figures every year to the state's health department.
Emily Richter is concerned about the impact of a possible overturning of Roe v. Wade and the impact it would have on marginalized communities. She noted that she would have the money to go out of state to find access to care but others may not.
In Minnesota, abortion would remain legal. That's also true for states such as Iowa and Nebraska. However, abortion would become illegal in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, due to individual laws in those states.
Minnesota has its own protections because of a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision ruled Minnesotans have a constitutional right to get an abortion.
Abortion rights were already expected to be a major dividing line issue in races for governor and U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. But if Roe is overturned, it could serve to energize Democrats hoping to defeat Republican Sen. Ron Johnson and reelect Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
North Dakota has been poised for years to outlaw abortions if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its landmark 1973 ruling that legalized the procedure.
Dr. Sarah Traxler works at the only abortion clinic in the state of South Dakota, but she lives hours away in Minnesota.
Some Minnesota politicians are responding to a report published Monday night in Politico that a draft opinion circulated among Supreme Court justices suggests that earlier this year a majority of them had thrown support behind overturning the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
So far nearly two dozen states have banned or restricted access to abortion. This is all happening as the nation awaits a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could essentiality overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling that's been law for a half-century.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday unveiled a proposal to ban nearly all abortions, mimicking a Texas law that leaves enforcement up to private citizens through lawsuits instead of through prosecutors and criminal charges.
Wisconsin's Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed five Republican-authored anti-abortion bills on Friday, two days after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could curtail if not end a woman's right to abortion.
"There appears to be between five to six justices on the Supreme Court who in a variety of opinions or statements have expressed disagreement with Roe vs. Wade," Professor David Schultz said.
The Supreme Court hearing will focus on the Texas abortion law which virtually bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and awards $10,000 to any citizen who sues someone who made an abortion possible. Even someone driving a woman to an abortion clinic could be sued.
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly was poised to give final approval Wednesday to a package of anti-abortion bills that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is all-but certain to veto.
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on a Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks -- which may pave the way for overturning of Roe vs. Wade.
A march in Minneapolis is part of a National Day of Action. Women and allies plan to rally for what organizers say is to protect and expand access to abortion in Minnesota.
It may seem way to early to be thinking about the 2022 elections, but the fundraising and jockeying for your vote has already begun, with the issue of abortion very much front and center.
Signed into law by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster shortly after its passage earlier this year, the "South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act" requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, which can typically be detected about six weeks into pregnancy.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proclaimed March 10 as Abortion Provider Appreciation Day.
Thousands of anti-abortion protesters are expected at the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday for the annual March for Life rally.
The Minnesota House of Representatives' annual state fair poll explored how Minnesotans feel about a number of issues at the state Capitol.
Cusi (pronounced Koo-see) was born on May 6 and is "extremely active, as far as sloths go," according to Zookeeper Em Brunmeier.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his annual list of the 100 best players in the NFL, and only one Minnesota Viking made the 2026 edition. You can probably guess who it is.
In its latest financial report, Minnesota-based General Mills said it plans to "generate $3 billion in cumulative cost savings" by the end of the 2030 fiscal year.
A 9-year-old child died Tuesday evening after drowning in a western Wisconsin water park.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier is one step closer to returning to the court.
Cusi (pronounced Koo-see) was born on May 6 and is "extremely active, as far as sloths go," according to Zookeeper Em Brunmeier.
In its latest financial report, Minnesota-based General Mills said it plans to "generate $3 billion in cumulative cost savings" by the end of the 2030 fiscal year.
Minneapolis public officials say they'll be cracking down on impaired driving and gun safety during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
One of the most distinctive landmarks in northeast Minneapolis is up for sale.
While one of the suspects fired a gun, no one was hurt.
In a matter of minutes, a storage shed at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, Minnesota, went up in flames early Tuesday.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
A 9-year-old child died Tuesday evening after drowning in a western Wisconsin water park.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
The 96,000-square-foot library, built near the Badlands where Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s, opens on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Several new Minnesota laws are set to take effect on Wednesday that address school district safety, update decades-old government technology and provide funding for various projects across the state.
Former Rep. Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
The Supreme Court ended its term with a major ruling striking down President Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship.
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
Minneapolis public officials say they'll be cracking down on impaired driving and gun safety during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
While one of the suspects fired a gun, no one was hurt.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Lisa Clemons, founder of A Mother's Love Initiative, responds to many shooting scenes. She says they keep seeing younger and younger shooting victims and suspects.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his annual list of the 100 best players in the NFL, and only one Minnesota Viking made the 2026 edition. You can probably guess who it is.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier is one step closer to returning to the court.
LeBron James sent the NBA world into a tizzy on Tuesday with the news that he'll test free agency instead of returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next season.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
Summer workouts are underway for the Gophers men's basketball team, and Isaac Asuma is back for his third year with the program. To some, it's a bit of a surprise.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
With six weeks before the primary, the stakes are building in the U.S. Senate contest contest between two of Minnesota's brightest DFL stars: Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
As the first round of storms wanes in Minnesota on Wednesday, another stronger system is expected to hit the state in the evening.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
A second round of storms may develop along a stalled boundary later Wednesday, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Two rounds of storms are in store for the state on Wednesday.
As the first round of storms wanes in Minnesota on Wednesday, another stronger system is expected to hit the state in the evening.
Doctors at a prominent Minnesota hospital have voted to approve a strike if necessary.
Minneapolis public officials say they're taking a "zero tolerance" approach to violent crime and fireworks misuse during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
As the first round of storms wanes in Minnesota on Wednesday, another stronger system is expected to hit the state in the evening.
Leslie Firkins, with Rosedale Center, shares a few fashion tips for the Fourth of July.
Author Anthony Bakke is releasing his third Shakespeare translation for modern-day audiences, "A Midsummer Night's Dream."