MINNEAPOLIS — The U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade Friday, which offered federal protection for those seeking an abortion for the past 50 years.
The 6-3 ruling will have ramifications across the nation as states are divided on abortion. At least 13 states have already passed “trigger laws” that will immediately take effect upon the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which will ban the right for women to have access to abortions.
The guaranteed right to have access to an abortion procedure is currently protected in Minnesota under the 1995 state court ruling in Doe v. Gomez. The case also requires the state to cover costs for low-income patients.
The existing Minnesota case law could make the state an ‘island’ in the upper Midwest as most surrounding states have already limited, or will likely ban abortions.
Minnesota policymakers are wasting no time in reacting to the Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Here's a sample of what they are saying.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (DFL)
On Twitter, Gov. Walz said, "I know Minnesotans share the fear and pain people across the country are feeling. But we never back down from a challenge. Today and every day, I stand with Minnesotans in the fight to protect access to reproductive health care and abortion."
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (DFL)
Lt. Gov Flanagan took to Twitter to say, "Access to abortion and reproductive health care is about economic and racial justice. Access to abortion is about ensuring Minnesotans can make their own choices and build their own futures. As long as (Gov. Tim Walz) and I are in office, we will protect this fundamental right."
Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann
“This is a tremendous victory for the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and the sanctity of life. It was widely accepted that Roe v. Wade was deeply flawed on constitutional grounds. As Republicans, our party has always stood for human rights, including those of the unborn. With today’s rulings, The Supreme Court returned to the states and the people their rightful authority to govern themselves and protect the unborn.”
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL)
The U.S. Senator and former Presidential candidate said on Twitter Friday, "This opinion doesn’t bring us back to the 1950s. It brings us back to the 1850s."
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (DFL)
The junior U.S. Senator from Minnesota posted the following statement on Twitter, "This decision is an extraordinary betrayal not just of women but democracy itself."
Rep. Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN 5th District)
The Democratic representative, who is up for re-election this fall, posted to Twitter on Friday saying, "This Supreme Court decision is devastating for millions of women and pregnant people across the country. I am outraged this right-wing court is turning the clock back on generations of progress and prohibiting individuals to have autonomy over their bodies."
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN 7th District)
The Republican representative tweeted, "Today’s Supreme Court decision was a step to protect the most precious and basic right: the right to life."
Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN 8th District)
“Today’s historic ruling by the Supreme Court will save countless innocent lives. As the father of five beautiful children, I believe that all life has value and should be protected, and this ruling is a win for the sanctity of life. Additionally, this decision also returns decision-making power back to elected officials in states as intended.”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Ellison posted a video on Twitter Friday with the following statement, "SCOTUS has overturned Roe—but in MN, your right to choose is protected & that’s not changing. But Americans everywhere, not only in MN, are in our circle of compassion. My pledge to you: No one from any state will be prosecuted in MN for seeking an abortion that’s legal in MN."
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller (R)
“Today is a victory for every unborn child, affirming their life has value and is worth protecting. Senate Republicans are committed to working together to find consensus on protections for babies, and support for moms and families who choose life.”
Former State Senator & Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen
"We have seen many lives diminished after this court ruling decades ago. While Minnesota's Supreme Court ruled that there is a right to an abortion; as governor I still want to seek out loving and caring alternatives like universal adoption..."
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