In this episode, Erin Hart, Megan Peterson, and Abena Abraham provide a legislative update, covering:
- Dr. Sarah Traxler, Chief Medical Officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNC), testified on the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act in the Senate Health Committee. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, PPNCS has seen a 13% increase in patients coming from out of the region for abortion and a 40% increase in second-trimester abortions.
- Efforts to pass SF 165, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, continue. This bill is to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to reproductive healthcare and that healthcare providers are protected in providing essential healthcare services.
- The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act passed the Minnesota House on Monday with 68 “yes” and 62 “no” votes. The movement cannot be stopped, and Minnesota will have the back of providers and patients who need to come here to get care.
- We also discuss the Trans Refuge Bill, which passed by the Minnesota House early Friday morning. The bill was led by Representative Finke, who spoke passionately about the importance of passing the bill.
- The bill has also been heard by the Senate Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee and hopefully is on a pathway to reach the governor's desk this year.
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Visit the "Gender Justice" Website here and "Unrestrict Minnesota" here.
Erin Hart, Communications Director at Gender Justice, is hosting the Gender Justice Brief.
The GJB is produced by Gunther Michael Jahnl & Audra Grigus.
