The MN Supreme Court determined in 1995 that a woman has the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy or seek an abortion without political influence of her decision. In 2003 some laws were introduced which created cumbersome restrictions under the pretense of making improvements.
One law requires that specific misleading statements be presented before an abortion, the so-called “Woman’s Right to Know.” Did politicians or the medically uninformed write this? It would be awkward for staff to subsequently tell the clients that the information they are required to present is not accurate. Thus a recent lawsuit seeks to change the law.
Another new law requires that only a physician perform an abortion, even though there are others medically trained to perform safe abortions. The law may be well intended, but it will limit accessibility, cost more, and cause critical delays. With no delays, an abortion can take place with simply a pill. The law requiring only a physician to perform the abortion is like insisting on Ph.D. credentials to teach preschool. Frivolous over qualification…
A minor can seek medical care and procedures without notifying a parent in any other circumstance except for an abortion. The new law states that before an abortion that she must notify both parents, which may not even be possible, or go to court. Most minors are not ready for nor seek parenthood, but delays can create complications or make parenthood imminent.
MN health care providers will continue to be regulated for safety, and medical standards. If only the Crisis Pregnancy Centers were so regulated. Their staff may be “loving and caring” but does not need medical licensure nor training. Religious overtones of the organization result in sexual abstinence promoted as the recommended solution. Contraceptives are not prescribed. Abortions are discouraged. Chastity belts anyone?
If abortion rates were down last year, I hope it was not due to repressed abortion services. If it is a goal to reduce abortions, let us focus on better sex education, and greater access to pregnancy prevention. Men have some responsibility in this too. Does MN keep data on vasectomies?
President Trump would like to overturn Roe v Wade, and some states have new bans on abortion. Reproductive liberty cannot be taken for granted. Yes, please contact your representative and urge a reversal of the new restrictive laws in MN.
Geri Jensen
Grand Marais
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