With overwhelming support, the Protect Reproductive Options Act moves to a floor vote in the Minnesota House and advances in the Minnesota Senate
St. Paul, MN — Today, the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) passed the Minnesota House State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee and the Minnesota Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee, clearing the way for the PRO Act to be voted on the House floor. The PRO Act has quickly passed through three different committees in the House, and two in the Senate. When signed by the governor, it would immediately go into effect.
The PRO Act codifies reproductive rights into state law, an added layer of protection that is essential to guaranteeing rights for future generations of Minnesotans. The decision whether or when to become a parent is deeply personal. Private health care decisions – including the decision to be on birth control, become pregnant or have an abortion – should be made by a patient and their doctor, not anti-abortion politicians or judges.
Statement from Tim Stanley, Executive Director of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund:
“I congratulate the Minnesota House for moving the PRO Act through all the necessary committees before putting it to the floor, and the Minnesota Senate for advancing the PRO Act to the next committee. Minnesotans need and deserve excellent health care, and that includes access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care. As states around the region ban abortion, we must act now to protect Minnesotans’ fundamental right to decide whether or when they want to start a family.
States and small towns across the country are banning access to essential reproductive health care. The PRO Act protects reproductive rights at all levels of government in the state, so a city or county politician or judge cannot limit reproductive rights or abortion access.”
A broad coalition of Minnesotans support the PRO Act: The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Minnesota, Fairview Health Serivces, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Chapter of American College of Physicians, Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Minnesota Medical Association, SEIU Healthcare, Violence Free Minnesota, Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Gender Justice, ACLU of Minnesota, Pro Choice Minnesota, Women's Foundation of 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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