What National Attacks on Abortion Mean for Minnesota
The Threat to Safe, Legal Abortion
On December 1, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This will be the first direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the decision that established the constitutional right to have an abortion, since Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation.
Three months ago, Texas enacted Senate Bill 8, an egregious attempt to essentially eliminate access to safe, legal abortion in Texas and pave the way for other states and municipalities to do the same. The law bans abortion before most people know they’re pregnant and gives private citizens a reward if they successfully sue anyone who helps a patient seek an abortion.
Abortion access is fundamental to health equity.
Attacks on abortion access disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), those with low incomes, and those living in rural areas. People with means will always be able to overcome unnecessary barriers to access abortion, but all people should have access to the health care they need.
Medical Providers Stand for Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
All health care decisions—including whether or not to have an abortion—are deeply personal and should be made between a patient and their doctor. That's why 13 medical organizations representing tens of thousands of medical professionals signed onto an open letter in support of reproductive freedom for all.
Here for Minnesotans, and Our Neighbors
Because the right to abortion is constitutionally protected in Minnesota under the 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court Gomez decision, other states in our region will turn to Minnesota for abortion care if Roe v. Wade is overturned. North Dakota and South Dakota both have "trigger laws" which would immediately outlaw abortion if Roe is overturned. If Roe falls, Iowa is likely to ban abortion and Nebraska will try to ban abortion, but there may be enough supportive senators to block it.
No matter what happens at the Supreme Court, Planned Parenthood North Central States is committed to finding new ways to ensure everyone in our region has access to the sexual and reproductive care they need.
Is Minnesota immune to attacks on abortion access?
Minnesota is not immune to attacks on abortion. Politicians determined to ban abortion continue to pass or try to pass bills that make it increasingly difficult to access abortion in our state. In fact, bills to fully ban abortion have been introduced in the Minnesota House each of the last three bienniums.
Stand with Planned Parenthood
Protecting and expanding abortion access in Minnesota is more important than ever to ensure everyone in our region has access to the abortion care they need, no matter what happens at the courts.
We know the majority of people support the right to safe, legal abortion—but a vocal minority is leading the charge against abortion, contraception, and comprehensive sex ed in this country. That’s why supporters of reproductive freedom must speak up now before it’s too late—and encourage our friends, families, and communities to do the same.
Pledge to stand with Planned Parenthood today. We'll keep you updated with the latest news and ways to advocate for essential health care for all.
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