Minnesota Senate passes bill to protect abortion rights in state law

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The Senate of Minnesota passed legislation that would codify the right to abortion in the state and integrate it into state law. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk. Tim Waltz for your signiture.

The Law for the Protection of Reproductive Options, also known as the PRO Law, it passed in the Minnesota House of Representatives last week. States that Minnesotans have a “fundamental right” to abortion and reproductive health care, such as fertility treatments and contraception. It also prohibits local state governments from restricting access to those services.

The bill passed in a partisan vote Saturday by the Senate. Republicans tried to add dozens of amendments that would restrict access to abortion. Supporters and opponents of abortion rights rallied on Capitol Hill on Friday before the vote.

Democrats who control the House, Senate and the governor’s office have said this bill is one of their top priorities since it Roe vs. Wade it was canceled in June.

State Governor Tim Walz said: “Here in Minnesota, we trust people to make their own decisions about their bodies. I am ready to sign the PRO Act and codify reproductive rights into law.”

Minnesota is expected to become what advocates describe as a “safe haven” for abortion access in the Upper Midwest.

The right to abortion in Minnesota is already protected due to Doe v. Gomez, a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision.

Democrats frame the bill as a “secondary” line of defense to that ruling.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson called the bill “extreme” and said he was “disappointed” that Republican-suggested amendments were defeated.

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