A bill that would seek to codify a woman’s right to receive an abortion in Minnesota has made it out of its first committee and is now headed to a judiciary committee. However, not everyone is in support of the legislation.
Several Minnesotans took the opportunity to express their opposition to the Protect Reproductive Options Act, including Sherry Litz, who joined protests for the bill on Thursday.
“I’m here today to be a voice for the unborn,” Litz said.
Litz shared with News Talk 830 WCCO’s Susie Jones that until now, she was proud to live in the state, but that's changed.
“I am…horrified to hear that the bill would allow the murdering of babies up until birth,” Litz said.
The PRO Act would codify into state law Minnesotans’ rights to more than just abortions, according to a release from Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL).
“This bill protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and the right to abortion, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions,” the release said. “It also prevents interference by anti-choice politicians who seek to enact or defend medically unnecessary barriers to comprehensive reproductive health care.”
Kotyza-Witthuhn shared a statement in the release, saying there is “overwhelming” support for the legislation. She also said it has become increasingly necessary following last summer’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“Minnesotans overwhelmingly support the fundamental right of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade sends a clear message that we cannot take these rights for granted,” Kotyza-Witthuhn said.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary & Civil Law Committee after being passed on a vote of 11-8 in the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
No Republicans supported the bill.
“The PRO Act will codify these fundamental rights into law which is essential in guaranteeing reproductive freedom for the long-term,” Kotyza-Witthuhn said. “We must act now to ensure a future State Supreme Court cannot take away the bodily autonomy of Minnesotans. Politics have no place in a doctor’s office.”
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