Protecting Reproductive Options
Dear Neighbors,
Today was a momentous day on the House floor. After 4 hours of debate, the DFL House majority passed HF1, or the Protecting Reproductive Options (PRO) Act on a vote of 69-65.
This legislation, which I co-authored, protects Minnesotans’ 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.
The PRO Act establishes the fundamental right of Minnesotans to make individual decisions about reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion, and pregnancy and it prevents politicians from interfering with a person’s fundamental right to make their own reproductive health care decisions. Abortion is health care, and I believe firmly that politicians should not interfere with Minnesotan’s ability to access the health care they need.
With Roe v. Wade overturned by the Supreme Court last year, we know that state legislatures like ours are the frontline in protecting reproductive freedom. And while the Minnesota Supreme Court established the right to an abortion at the state level, we know that the makeup of the courts and legal precedent can be changed over time. Reproductive freedom was on the ballot in last year’s election, and voters elected candidates who trust Minnesotans to make their own healthcare decisions.
Stay Connected
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.andy.smith@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9249, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Warmly,
Andy Smith,
State Representative