Minnesota Legislators and supporters gathered in the Minnesota State Office Building to denounce efforts by Senate Republicans to ban abortion later in pregnancy and to applaud the Minnesota House leadership for standing up for affordable, accessible birth control for Minnesotans.
Today, Senate Republicans will debate a bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks. Abortions later in pregnancy account for around 1 percent of all abortions. Oftentimes, women in these circumstances are faced with fatal fetal anomalies or threats to their own health, or both.
Women like Tippy Amundson, who found out at her 20-week ultrasound that her baby stopped developing properly and would never live outside the womb. At the same time, she learned that she could lose her reproductive system and any chance of conceiving again if she continued her pregnancy. “We learned the hard way what abortions later in pregnancy were about,” said Tippy, “and I want others to understand what we learned. I had an abortion. And the only reason I am able to have more children is because of that abortion.”
“As OB/GYNs, we support policies that increase access to health services and allow doctors and patients to make the health care decisions that are right for them,” said Siri Fibiger, Vice Chair of Minnesota Section of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Determining if and when an abortion is necessary is a decision that should remain between a doctor and their patient.”
At the same time, today the Minnesota House will hold hearings on bills to protect funding for family planning and affordable birth control for Minnesotans across the state.
As you can see, the differences between the Senate and House are stark, said Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Susan Kent. “Today, the Republican-controlled Senate will focus on rolling back abortion rights and dictating the choices of women and families in heartbreaking circumstances like those that Tippy just shared, while the Democratic-controlled House will focus on expanding access to birth control by making it more affordable and easier to get.”
“Reproductive health care is basic health care for Minnesotans,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “House DFLers are committed to protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care in Minnesota.”
“Reproductive health care in Minnesota is a critical investment in our communities, our futures and our public health,” said Alissa Light, Executive Director of Family Tree Clinic. “And, studies show that for every $1 state’s invest in family planning services, $7 is saved.”
###
Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the political 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.
Tags: minnesota