ST. PAUL, Minn. — This week, the Reproductive Freedom Caucus met to discuss legislative priorities and elect new leadership. Senator Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) will serve as Senate Chair and Representative Leigh Finke (DFL-St. Paul) will serve as House Chair.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the Senate Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and I am grateful to outgoing Chair Lindsey Port for her leadership,” Senator Maye Quade said. “The right to reproductive freedom has always been contested ground. As we face an incoming federal government hostile to health care and bodily autonomy, it’s clear that the work of reproductive justice goes hand in hand with defending our human rights.
“In this next legislative session and beyond, we will defend what we have already accomplished and move ahead in our mission to protect and expand reproductive freedom for all Minnesotans. This fight is not new; Black, Asian, Latino and Indigenous communities, immigrant communities, queer and trans communities have all had their reproductive freedoms targeted for generations, and it is an honor to learn from them as we support each other on the path to liberation.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues for entrusting me with the role of House Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus,” said Rep. Finke. “As a trans woman, I am humbled to hold such a leadership position. I also want to thank the members of the House and Senate for truly understanding that reproductive freedom is an issue that affects every community. United in our cause, I look forward to contributing to the important work of protecting and extending essential rights for every person in the state of Minnesota.
“Every Minnesotan deserves the right to make their own choices about their bodies and their futures,” Rep. Finke continued. “Reproductive rights are fundamental to bodily autonomy and the freedom to choose a life best suited to each individual. All of us, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, income, or immigration status, deserve these rights.
“The Reproductive Freedom Caucus stands in solidarity with our LGBTQIA2S+ community, particularly my fellow trans Americans, who face unique barriers to accessing reproductive and transition health care. We are committed to working on policies that protect the rights of all individuals to live free from discrimination and to make their own decisions about their bodies and families.”
The Reproductive Freedom Caucus is a joint subcaucus of the Minnesota House and Senate to promote and protect the reproductive rights of all Minnesotans.
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