With midterm elections less than six months away, the fight between the gubernatorial candidates continues, this time on abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade, two Minnesotans vying for the governorship are standing firm on their abortion stances.
On Friday, Republican candidate Dr. Scott Jensen praised the ruling.
"We have seen many lives diminished after this court ruling decades ago. While Minnesota’s Supreme Court ruled there is a right to an abortion, as governor I still want to seek out loving and caring alternatives, that value people - both born and unborn," said Jensen in a statement.
He also accused Governor Tim Walz (D) and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) of supporting 'up-to-the-moment-of-birth' abortions.'
On Tuesday Gov. Walz vehemently denied Jensen's claim, saying he has never held that view, even in his time as a public servant, dating back to 2006 when he was a Representative.
"No, no. Does that sound believable?" asked Walz. "You know what is believable? People get raped. You know it is believable? Incest. You know what is believable? Pregnancies that go dangerous. Not one time, have I ever said that."
The governor also called Dr. Scott Jensen, an anti-choice extremist, who cannot be trusted. "That's coming from someone who lied about the election, lied about COVID-19, and is unvaccinated. There is no truth."
In a video response, Jensen scoffed at being labeled an extremist saying, "one person's extreme is one person's moderation." In addition to supporting abortion if a woman's life is endangered, Jensen said he wants to provide alternatives.
"I am absolutely in favor of providing universal adoption support. I want to provide more information about natural family planning, more contraceptive access, cheaper access. I want to do as much as we can."
Governor Walz agrees on doing as much as he can. On Saturday, he signed an executive order shielding abortion seekers and their providers from prosecution.
He says, "This isn't a nuanced position between myself and my opponent. This is as far as the Grand Canyon could be in how we view women and how we view healthcare."
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