Tim Pawlenty left Minnesota with a legacy of extreme laws that limit access to abortion in our state. In a time when the Trump-Pence administration is continuously attacking our access to birth control, abortion, and health care, Minnesotans cannot afford to give Tim Pawlenty another chance to turn the clock back on reproductive health.
Here are just some of the ways Pawlenty worked against our health, rights, and communities during his eight years as Governor.
1 . Turning His Back on Minnesota Teens
In 2010, Pawlenty rejected a teen pregnancy prevention grant worth $850,000 that could have been used for important preventative sex education for Minnesota teenagers. Preventative sex education is critical in young people growing up to lead informed, authentic, and healthy lives—yet Tim Pawlenty opted to saddle Minnesota teens with inaccurate, ineffective abstinence only resources.
2. Funding Fake Reproductive Health Clinics
Fake reproductive health clinics, also known as crisis pregnancy centers, deliberately spread misinformation and deceive patients seeking health care. In May 2005, Pawlenty signed a law giving funds to crisis pregnancy centers. The bill also made groups that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood, ineligible for these funds.
3. Slashing Health Care Funding
During his time in office, Pawlenty undermined the health of Minnesota women and families, slashed health care coverage that Minnesotans relied on, and even cut funding for children and seniors—all while the number of uninsured Minnesotans increased by 50 percent.
4. Wants to Defund Planned Parenthood
Pawlenty would put Planned Parenthood’s patients at serious risk if elected. When he ran for President, he said that Planned Parenthood’s federal funding “should come to an end.” Not only would this limit Minnesotans’ access to cancer screenings and contraception, it puts Pawlenty wildly out of step with most Minnesotans who believe that funding for reproductive health care should be protected and that abortion should remain safe and legal.
5. Enacted Dangerous Anti-Abortion Laws
Pawlenty enacted several severe anti-abortion laws that interfere directly in the relationship between a patient and their doctor. During his first year in office, Pawlenty signed the Woman’s Right to Know Act, requiring a 24 hour waiting period and “informed consent” which forces providers to give patients false information linking abortion and breast cancer.
Pawlenty is Just as Dangerous in 2018
Running Mate Michelle Fischbach
“I share your passion to protect every unborn child and to protect life at every stage."
- Michelle Fischbach (2018)
Michelle Fischbach has led the charge against reproductive health in Minnesota for decades, taking every opportunity to vote against safe, legal abortion and working to limit access to reproductive health care. As a state senator, Fischbach repeatedly attacked Planned Parenthood and Minnesotans’ access to affordable birth control.
Extreme Anti-Abortion Agenda
Tim Pawlenty has made it clear that his goal is to outlaw abortion. He has stated clearly that he will support legislation that chips away at Roe v Wade and take direct aim at access to safe, legal abortion if elected.
“I want to make progress to limit, and ultimately end abortion in this country.”
- Tim Pawlenty (2011)
In fact, he even believes that abortion providers should be punished.
“I think there absolutely should be consequences for doctors who perform abortion, if it’s illegal and when it’s illegal.”
- Tim Pawlenty (2011)
The Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund will do everything in our power to ensure that the next Governor of Minnesota will protect our rights to health care, birth control and safe and legal abortion.
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