ST. PAUL, Minn. — January 31 will mark two years since the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act was signed into Minnesota law. Reproductive Freedom Caucus chairs Senator Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) and Representative Leigh Finke (DFL-St. Paul) release the following statement to commemorate the anniversary:
“Two years ago, Minnesotans’ fundamental right to reproductive autonomy was enshrined into law. The PRO Act put an end to the fear and uncertainty that plagued providers, patients, and families following the US Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. Today, Minnesota’s reproductive freedom protections remain strong, but we find ourselves with a president and federal government determined to destroy the rights and freedoms that Minnesotans — and every person — are owed. In just 10 days, Republicans and their billionaire backers in the White House have released a flood of cruel and illegal executive orders meant to strip away every kind of freedom; the US House has introduced a national abortion ban; and the State Department has announced its intent to join the anti-reproductive rights, anti-LGBTQ Geneva Consensus Declaration. This onslaught is meant to shock us into inaction and frighten us into retreat and isolation. It will not work.
“The Reproductive Freedom Caucus continues to defend every person’s right to bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom. Minnesota is and will remain a beacon of justice, care and self-determination for all. The PRO Act was one step on a long road toward the world we are determined to create: one where all people have the freedom to decide if, when and how to build a family; where Black women, Indigenous women, and women of color have the rights, freedoms and opportunities they are due; where trans people and queer communities are supported and embraced without reservation. We will build that world together.”
The Reproductive Freedom Caucus is the largest caucus in the Minnesota legislatures and is a bicameral sub-caucus of the Minnesota House and Senate to promote and protect the reproductive rights of all Minnesotans.