Gov. Walz Pushes to Fortify Abortion Rights in Minnesota

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz predicted 2024 will be a pivotal year in the fight to protect abortion rights in the state and across the Upper Midwest, during a visit yesterday to Planned Parenthood North Central States headquarters.

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Vows to Make MN an "Island" of Abortion Rights

"Minnesota will remain a firewall as the Supreme Court moves to further restrict reproductive freedom across the country," Walz stated.

He reiterated his support for making Minnesota an "island" of reproductive rights, as neighboring states have enacted stricter abortion laws since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Backs Constitutional Amendment to Enshrine Rights

Walz endorsed the idea of putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot to enshrine abortion rights, calling it a "safeguard from future Republican control."

"This is not some weird, mean political ideology we're trying to force on people," he said. "These are people's lives and health care decisions that need to be made by them and their health care provider."

Such an amendment requires only a simple majority vote in the Democratic-controlled legislature, not the governor's signature.

While Democrats codified abortion rights in law last session, some fear a future Republican legislature could repeal those statutes.

Predicts Abortion Will Be Key in 2024 Election

Walz suggested abortion will be a major issue in the 2024 presidential race, with Republicans likely pushing for a national abortion ban.

"We know [Republican] folks will try to lay a little low and not bring it up because they know the vast majority of Minnesotans don't agree with them," he stated.

MN Sees Sharp Rise in Abortions Since Roe Overturned

The visit comes as Planned Parenthood has seen a 25% increase in abortions in Minnesota since Roe was overturned.

Out-of-state abortion patients have also doubled, as neighboring states like North Dakota and South Dakota have enacted near-total bans.

Source: Walz predicts key year in protecting abortion rights in Minnesota, Upper Midwest (startribune.com)