ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Reproductive Freedom Caucus (RFC) unveiled its 2024 legislative agenda, designed to protect, promote, and expand Minnesotans’ rights on reproductive healthcare on Feb. 21. Legislators from the Minnesota House and Senate were joined by reproductive healthcare advocates, healthcare providers, and allies.
“We envision a future for Minnesota where everyone– without exception– can shape and realize their reproductive future and destiny,” said RFC co-chair Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL – Saint Paul). “For themselves and with empowerment from the government, but without its interference.”
The RFC 2024 legislative agenda seeks to strengthen protections for gender equity and reproductive freedom, and ensure all state and private health care plans cover abortion care and gender-affirming care. The RFC’s vision of reproductive freedom includes racial justice, equal access and coverage for people of all genders, and more. Among their priorities, they are calling to pass the ERA state constitutional amendment, remove unnecessary barriers to midwife certification, and expand insurance coverage for abortion care and reproductive health care.
“The RFC has always understood that we have to stand together in order to fight for our right to exist, love, and parent how we choose,” said RFC co-chair Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL – Burnsville). “Until we have reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy for all, we do not have reproductive freedom.”
The RFC 2024 legislative agenda also focuses on all birthing people, especially Black women who are systematically disadvantaged in reproductive health care. The RFC was joined by the Minnesota Black Maternal Health Caucus Chair Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL - Minneapolis).
“Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s most transformative experiences, and it’s essential that every family has the opportunity to do so safely and with dignity,” said Rep. Agbaje. “Yet, Black birthing people continue to face unacceptable disparities in their healthcare, leading to disproportionately higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.
The RFC’s 2024 legislative agenda builds on their landmark accomplishments from 2023, including passing the Protect Reproductive Options Act, banning anti-LGBTQIA+ “conversion therapy,” and passing the Trans Refuge Act.
You can view the recorded press conference on the Minnesota Senate Media Services’ YouTube.
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