Gov. Walz Signs Bill Enshrining Abortion, Sterilization Into State Law

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday signed into law a bill that enshrines access to abortion, contraception, and sterilization into state law.

The bill also prevents local units of government — such as cities, towns, or counties — from restricting abortion access.

"Last November, Minnesotans spoke loud and clear: They want their reproductive rights protected – not stripped away," Walz said in a statement.

"Today, we are delivering on our promise to put up a firewall against efforts to reverse reproductive freedom. No matter who sits on the Minnesota Supreme Court, this legislation will ensure Minnesotans have access to reproductive health care for generations to come. Here in Minnesota, your access to reproductive health care and your freedom to make your own health care decisions are preserved and protected."

Democrats voted down an amendment that would have banned third-trimester abortions. Another proposed amendment, which would require abortion facilities to be licensed, also failed.

Abortion is already legal in the state due to a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling titled Doe v. Gomez. But following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June, Minnesota Democrats want abortion access to be enshrined in state law.

Republicans and anti-abortion activists called the bill extreme.

"The Democrats' taxpayer-funded, abortion-on-demand agenda is extreme and out of step with the people of Minnesota," said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann in a statement earlier this month.

"Let’s be clear: The PRO Act would mean it’s legal for any baby to be aborted, for any reason and at any time up to birth," said Minnesota Citizens Concerned For Life's Cathy Blaeser.

"The absolutist extremism of this bill would put Minnesota in the company of just a handful of countries worldwide, among them China and North Korea. Mothers and babies deserve a far more humane and compassionate approach."

A University of St. Thomas law professor says the broad nature of Minnesota's abortion rights bill could make it harder for the state to prosecute sex crimes, including trafficking and assault.

A second major abortion bill making its way through the Minnesota Legislature would repeal state laws that protect babies who are born alive after a failed abortion.

Read more here: MN Bill Removes Protections For Babies Born After Abortion