SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, lawmakers in the Minnesota House of Representatives held their first hearing on 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.
The bill, HF 1, sponsored by Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL- Eden Prairie) recognizes that an individual’s reproductive health care decisions are theirs to make.
“Minnesotans overwhelmingly support the fundamental right of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade sends a clear message that we cannot take these rights for granted,” said Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn. “The PRO Act will codify these fundamental rights into law which is essential in guaranteeing reproductive freedom for the long-term. We must act now to ensure a future State Supreme Court cannot take away the bodily autonomy of Minnesotans. Politics have no place in a doctor’s office.”
The bill 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 Health Finance and Policy Committee passed the PRO Act on a vote of 11-8. No Republicans supported the bill, which has been referred to the House Judiciary & Civil Law Committee.