WASHINGTON — Early this morning, DFL lawmakers in the Minnesota legislature passed a historic reproductive rights measure — sending the legislation to Governor Walz’s desk that will enshrine the right to an abortion into state law. This legislation was only made possible after voters installed a Minnesota DFL trifecta for the first time in nearly a decade. In stark contrast to the gridlock in Congress, the DFL has wasted no time in delivering popular abortion protections, showing the policymaking power of Democratic state legislatures.
“When Democrats have a governing majority, they protect abortion access, plain and simple,” said DLCC interim President Heather Williams. “These transformative protections are just a snapshot of what can be achieved when state Democrats hold legislative power in Minnesota and beyond. With a gridlocked Congress and conservative Supreme Court, state legislatures hold the power to protect abortion rights and make swift progress on so many other critical issues. I’m so proud of our lawmakers for this historic legislation — and I know they’re just getting started.”
In the lead-up and immediate aftermath of the fall of Roe, Democrats in 17 states protected or expanded access to reproductive care. Thanks to these actions and historic state Democratic victories in 2022, abortion rights will be protected for more than 165 million people. Republicans, on the other hand, will not stop threatening popular abortion protections and access to reproductive care. That’s why, just days into the new year, Democrats all across the country are quickly moving to protect the fundamental rights and livelihoods of millions of people.
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