ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Jan. 28, after 15 hours of debate, the Minnesota Senate passed SF 1, also known as the PRO Act, to enshrine Minnesotans’ right to reproductive healthcare in state law. The bill is chief authored by Senator Jennifer McEwan (DFL-Duluth) and co-authored by Senator Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis), Senator Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley), Senator Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven), and Senator Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville).
After joining her colleagues in a 34-33 vote to pass the bill, Senator Bonnie Westlin (DFL-Plymouth) hailed the PRO Act as a landmark achievement for Minnesotans’ reproductive freedoms.
“This vote cements Minnesota as a beacon of compassion, care and justice among its neighbors,” said Senator Westlin. “Time and again, Minnesota courts have affirmed women’s rights to bodily autonomy and healthcare—including reproductive health and abortion care—and it’s well past time for state law to reflect those rulings. I’m proud of the Legislature’s swift action to strike through the cloud of fear and uncertainty that has plagued doctors, patients, and families since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. Minnesotans can rest easy knowing that their right to decide if, when and how they become a parent is protected in our state.”
The House passed the PRO Act 69 yeas to 65 nays on Jan. 19. The bill will now move to Governor Walz’s desk to be signed into law.
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Learn more about Sen. Westlin.
