SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tonight, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 1, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act. This bill protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and the right to abortion, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. It also prevents interference by anti-choice politicians who seek to enact or defend medically unnecessary barriers to comprehensive reproductive health care.
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) is a co-author of the legislation and voted for the bill.
“After the U.S. Supreme Court wiped away reproductive rights guaranteed to all Americans for nearly a half-century, it became incredibly urgent for lawmakers to take action. The PRO Act will ensure the choice about when or if to become a parent can remain between an individual and their doctor – without interference from politicians,” Rep. Olson said. “Minnesotans have made their voices clear: they expect elected officials to trust them with their own health care decisions – including the choice to have an abortion. I’m incredibly proud to support this bill.”
The PRO Act enshrines protections for all reproductive health care, including but not limited to contraception, sterilization, preconception care, maternity care, abortion care, family planning and fertility services, and counseling regarding reproductive health care.
The bill now awaits action by the Minnesota Senate. Governor Walz has indicated he will sign it into law once it reaches his desk.