Saint Paul, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota State House of Representatives passed HF1, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, after a 4-hour floor debate and a final vote of 69-65. The PRO Act establishes the fundamental right of Minnesotans to make individual decisions about reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion, and pregnancy, and prevents politicians from interfering with a person’s fundamental right to make their own reproductive health care decisions.
State Representative Andy Smith (DFL – Rochester), who is a co-author of the legislation, released the following statement following the passage of the bill:
“This legislation protects Minnesotan’s right to their own bodily autonomy and protects doctors’ ability to help their patients without government interference. As someone whose family has dealt intimately with the complications that can arise during pregnancy, this bill is vital in protecting those who can become pregnant and may experience unforeseen medical complications. I was proud to cast my vote in support of the PRO Act and proud to be a co-author of this critical piece of legislation.”
Video of the debate and vote can be found on the House Public Information page.
The PRO Act now awaits action by the Minnesota State Senate, which heard the counterpart bill, SF1, in the Health and Human Services Committee last week.
###