SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Governor Walz signed HF 1, known as the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act into law. The bill is chief authored by Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL – Eden Prairie) in the House and Sen. Jen McEwen (DFL – Duluth) in the Senate. 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.
“I am incredibly honored to have played a role in this historic moment for Minnesota,” said Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn. “But this is bigger than just Minnesota. With the signing of this bill, Minnesota will forever be the north star for the people of every one of our neighboring states, as they all continue to deny and restrict fundamental rights to their citizens. Today, we are leading by example and holding true to our northern values of kindness, compassion, and being a welcoming place to call home for everyone.”
With the signing of the bill, Minnesota has become the first state to enact legislation protecting abortion rights since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade last June. More legislation around reproductive healthcare is making its way through committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate.
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