Planned Parenthood Leader Honored Guest at State of State
St. Paul, MN — Governor Tim Walz emphasized his commitment to reproductive health care and rights during his state of the state address tonight. The Walz administration is currently on track to have the largest investment and expansion in sexual and reproductive health care in Minnesota state history.
In January, the governor signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) into law less than a month into the 2023 legislative session, which codified reproductive rights into state law. His budget also includes expansion for birth control access, family planning funding, and an increase in Medicaid reimbursement so people from all socioeconomic statuses can control their bodies and futures.
Dr. Sarah Traxler, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS), was an honored guest at the Governor’s State of the State address. Dr. Traxler is a proud abortion provider who has travelled across the Midwest to provide abortion care while she leads Planned Parenthood North Central State’s medical care and practice.
“I was honored to sit in the gallery to watch Governor Walz give the State of the State address,” said Dr. Sarah Traxler, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood North Central States. “After the Supreme Court overturned Roe last summer, we’ve needed leaders like Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan who are steadfast in their commitment to abortion and reproductive rights. Doctors and patients need to know that reproductive decisions will stay in the exam room.”
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, along with the Minnesota legislature, are on track to do more for sexual and reproductive health care this session than almost ever before.
“We’re on our way to a historic expansion of sexual and reproductive health investments in Minnesota this year,” said Dr. Traxler. “The Protect Reproductive Options Act was only the beginning, and I'm grateful to see legislation across the board to expand and protect access to essential sexual and reproductive health care. Increasing access to health care will make Minnesota a healthier, more welcoming place.”
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Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and electoral arm of PPMNS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.
Visit us at www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org
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