Bill would protect doctors and patients who need access to the full range of reproductive health care options.
St. Paul, MN — Today, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA) passed the Minnesota House, taking the bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill would protect patients in Minnesota, coming to Minnesota from a state that bans abortions, and doctors who practice in Minnesota or outside of Minnesota.
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 landmark case Roe v. Wade eliminating the federal 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.
The RFDA would allow Minnesota’s highly trained and ethical medical professionals to practice free from the fear of prosecutions by out of state officials, and assure patients that in Minnesota, your privacy and reproductive rights are protected.
Statement from Dr. Sarah Traxler, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood North Central States:
“I’m proud to provide abortion care to my patients, along with a broad spectrum of essential health care services. PPNCS provides about 70% of the abortions in the state of Minnesota, and since the overturning of Roe v Wade, we’ve seen a 13% increase in patients coming from out of the region for abortion care and a 40% increase in second trimester abortions.
Since June, I’ve provided care to patients from everywhere – from nearby states like South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, and from far away states like Texas, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
Our new abortion landscape since the Dobbs decision is difficult and dangerous. It puts my patients and health care providers at risk. We need to pass the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act so the practice of medicine is safe in Minnesota.”
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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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