As a community-supported public awareness campaign, UnRestrict Minnesota is driven by the solidarity and leadership of its community partners. Together, these advocates, health care providers, lawyers, union members, artists, and concerned citizens are advancing every Minnesotan’s right to access abortion care in our state.
Founded in 1952 as the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Minnesota is a civil liberties organization and ACLU affiliate, working to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all people, especially for those who have been historically and systematically deprived of them.
Q&A
Below, the ACLU of Minnesota shares more about the history of their work in Minnesota and the importance of defending the state constitutional right to abortion.
Could you tell us a little bit about your work?
The mission of the ACLU of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) is to promote, protect, and extend the civil liberties and civil rights of people in Minnesota through litigation, lobbying, and community engagement. We have a long history of working to support and expand reproductive freedom and abortion rights in Minnesota. For example, the ACLU-MN submitted an amicus brief in support of the state constitutional right to an abortion in Doe v. Gomez and has testified in opposition to bills at the Minnesota Legislature that would unconstitutionally restrict abortion rights in our state.
Why is this work important to take on in Minnesota?
We need to be vigilant because reproductive rights are constantly under attack. Now that the United States Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, it is more important than ever that the right to an abortion under our state Constitution is protected. As Minnesota becomes an island of abortion access in relation to neighboring states, this right will also protect people who must travel to Minnesota to obtain an abortion.
Why did you join the UnRestrict Minnesota coalition?
The ACLU-MN joined the UnRestrict Minnesota coalition to support the shared objective of removing abortion restrictions in our state.
What does achieving full reproductive justice in Minnesota mean to you?
For the ACLU-MN, reproductive justice means protecting the state constitutional right to an abortion and ensuring that those who seek reproductive healthcare do not face restrictions or barriers to access.
How can people get engaged with your work?
Learn more by visiting our website, following us on social media, signing up for action alerts, joining our email list, donating, or volunteering.