Abortion access and menstrual equity
February 4, 2023
This week Governor Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act into law! The PRO Act supports and defends people’s right to make and act on the full spectrum of decisions available to them regarding reproductive health care.
“UnRestrict Minnesota applauds the passage of this historic bill,” said Megan Peterson, Executive Director of Gender Justice. “It’s a vital first step to fulfilling the promise of reproductive freedom for Minnesotans and people across the United States seeking safe and legal abortion care.”
Reproductive Freedom Codification Act Passes Senate Judiciary Committee
The Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Reproductive Freedom Codification Act (HF 91/SF 70) yesterday following a hearing in which an abortion provider, a church leader, reproductive rights and justice advocates, and a patient harmed by Minnesota’s anti-abortion laws urged legislators to remove a lengthy list of anti-abortion restrictions from Minnesota’s legislative code.
And now legislators need to hear from YOU to keep this legislation moving!
Reach out to your legislators and voice your support for HF 91/SF 70. Let them know that these restrictions impose unnecessary barriers to accessing abortion and undermine our fundamental right to abortion in Minnesota.
Volunteer Clinic Escort Trainings with Pro-Choice Minnesota
UnRestrict Minnesota coalition partner Pro-Choice Minnesota is hosting volunteer clinic escort trainings in the Twin Cities and Duluth in February, March, and April.
The Volunteer Clinic Escort Program trains activists to safely escort people seeking abortion care into abortion clinics. Clinic escorts are a friendly face and a barrier between patients and protesters, and they help patients access reproductive health care free from harassment, intimidation, and shame.
Podcast Interview on Menstrual Equity with NCJW-MN
In addition to legislation moving for abortion access, the Menstrual Equity Bill is moving at the Minnesota legislature! UnRestrict Minnesota coalition partner National Council of Jewish Women Minnesota (NCJW-MN) has been spearheading efforts to advance this bill in the House and Senate.
This week, NCJW-MN Executive Director Erica Solomon joined The Gender Justice Brief to talk about menstrual equity and their efforts to end period poverty in Minnesota schools.
Don’t forget to sign up for Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day on February 21st! Our team has travel subsidies, childcare, and more resources available for the community to help anyone who wants to participate in this big day at the Capitol.