The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to soon issue a ruling that could remove longstanding federal abortion protections.
In Minnesota, preparations are being made to accept patients from other states.
Should the nation’s high court overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the procedure still would be legal in Minnesota but would automatically be banned in neighbouring South Dakota – and soon after, in North Dakota.
Regional Planned Parenthood President Sarah Stoesz says they’re adding Minnesota staff, and they’ve stopped new appointments in at least one state and assisting those individuals with care options elsewhere.
“It is on us to make sure that we are good neighbours to those around us,” she said, “and that we are able to welcome women into our state so that they can be cared for,” says Stoesz.
DFL state Attorney General Keith Ellison also vowed to uphold Minnesota’s current protections and not prosecute anyone who travels here for an abortion.
However, some Republicans, including GOP gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen, have said they want to add Minnesota to the list of states with bans. It comes as Republicans seek to gain more control of state government in the fall election.
It’s not certain, yet, how far Jensen might go in trying to restrict abortion access should he become governor.
Emma Piorier, a spokesperson for Alliance for a Better Minnesota, says his comments have supporters of reproductive rights worried.
“This kind of extreme, anti-choice agenda that is being pushed by Minnesota Republicans,” says Piorier, “not only is out of touch with the needs and wants of Minnesotans, but is potentially extremely dangerous for the rights of our citizens.”
In a recent statewide poll, 65% of Minnesotans said they oppose new, severe restrictions on abortion.
Citing his Christian faith, Jensen has said the state should be governed with a pro-life approach.
(Story filed by Mike Moen/Minnesota News Connection)
