Bill Limiting Funding Of Abortions Passes Minnesota House

A bill in the Minnesota House passed Monday would prohibit state health programs overseen by the Minnesota Department of Human Services from paying for abortions, except as needed to continue participation in a federal program.

HF809, sponsored by Alexandria's Rep. Mary Franson, passed Monday 77-54. The bill now moves to the Minnesota Senate.

Franson said her bill would apply the same restriction to the Medical Assistance program. “My constituents and I do not believe we should pay for elective abortion,” she said on the House floor Monday.

Ramsey's Rep. Abigail Whelan said using taxpayer dollars for abortions “is a violation of the religious freedom of Minnesotans who are being forced to fund a practice that goes against their sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Eagan's Rep. Laurie Halverson said the entire range of health care should be available to women in Minnesota regardless of whether they are wealthy or poor.

“We’re developing a habit of not listening to low-income women and not listening to women of color within the Legislature,” said St. Louis Park's DFL Rep. Peggy Flanagan.

Franson said some organizations offer financial assistance to help women pay for abortions.

HF809 includes a severability clause, which would state the Legislature’s intent as being that if a court were to find part of the bill unconstitutional, the rest would remain in effect.

Image of Rep. Mary Franson via Minnesota House of Representatives