Protect Reproductive Options Act Passes Minnesota Senate Floor, Heads to Governor’s Desk
By Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund, Inc. | Jan. 27, 2023, 10:05 p.m.
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The historic vote by the Minnesota Senate codifies reproductive rights into law for the first time in Minnesota history, Bill will take effect immediately upon signature by Gov. Walz
ST. PAUL, MN — Today, the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) passed the Minnesota Senate, on a vote of 34-33. This historic vote codifies reproductive rights into state law, including the right to contraception, the right to fertility treatment, the right to pregnancy and the right to abortion. The PRO Act codifies the status quo in Minnesota and ensures protections for reproductive freedom for generations to come. Once signed by Gov. Tim Walz, the bill will take effect immediately.
“Today, the Minnesota Senate voted to trust doctors and our patients,” said Dr. Sarah Traxler, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood North Central States. “The PRO Act solidifies Minnesotans’ human rights into state law and is an insurance policy that our rights won’t be taken away by politicians or judges. All I want, and doctors across Minnesota want, is to provide the best care we can to our patients. And by passing the PRO Act into state law, the Minnesota Legislature will allow us to do just that.”
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 landmark case Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion. This decision was a shattering blow to the right to access abortion in the United States, leaving even more people struggling to access the essential health care they need. All states surrounding Minnesota are expected to eventually ban abortion, making Minnesota an island of access in the Midwest.
Next, the PRO Act heads to Governor Walz for his signature. The Governor has said he supports the bill and will sign it into law.
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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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