In 2015, Minnesota lawmakers introduced several anti-choice bills, each designed to limit a woman’s reproductive rights. This past legislative session was no different. The decision to have a child is an intensely personal one that is influenced by many factors. Studies have shown that the reasons most frequently cited for not having a child are because the child would interfere with education, work and/or ability to care for dependents.
Minnesota legislators should have spent their time and resources on expanding access to health-care services such as contraception, family planning, and support for low-income and single-parent families. This is what would truly help women and Minnesota families.
There is some great legislation that was introduced in Minnesota that begins to meet these needs and deserves more attention. This legislation included providing paid parental leave for mothers and fathers, protecting access to affordable and FDA-approved contraception for all women, protecting mothers from pregnancy discrimination in hiring and in the workplace and protecting access to safe and legal abortions.
For too long, women have had to fight for their health care rights and control of their own bodies. There was legislation that was introduced at the Capitol to right these wrongs, yet it was largely ignored. I ask that you stand with women this November and remember which politicians voted to restrict our health care access and those who supported us.
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Yes Dawn….
It would be nice if publications, including MinnPost, would publish the names of the legislators and their vote on high-interest legislation such as your topic.