March 20, 2023 | Press Release
ST. PAUL — Today the Minnesota House passed a bill to shield those who commit crimes related to abortion, including those who prescribe and send abortion drugs to states where it is not legal. The bill, H.F. 366, passed by a 68-62 margin and has yet to be considered by the full Senate.
“This bill doesn’t just make Minnesota a haven for those who perform illegal abortions elsewhere,” said MCCL Co-Executive Director Cathy Blaeser. “It would also shield anyone here in Minnesota who prescribes dangerous telemedicine abortions to places where unborn children are protected by law. That means Minnesota could become an exporter of risky and illegal abortion drugs. This is bad news for mothers and their children everywhere.”
Among other things, H.F. 366 blocks the governor from extraditing to other states any crime connected with “reproductive health care services,” which are defined to include abortion. Inexplicably, the bill singles out just this one area, “reproductive health care services,” for exemption from extradition law.
“Once again, lawmakers are pushing extreme legislation. They’re giving abortion special treatment and undermining the rule of law,” said Blaeser. “This bill is likely to face serious legal challenges.”
The new bill does not impact the possible extradition or prosecution of women who have abortions, which is strongly opposed by the pro-life movement. It is already the case that no state laws on abortion allow for such prosecution.
Early this year, Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill enshrining into law a right to abortion without limits, even late in pregnancy, when unborn children can feel pain as they are killed.