On Saturday, Jan. 28, after over 12 hours of debate on the topic, Senate Democrats passed extreme abortion legislation that protects “abortion” and “reproductive rights” with no safeguards or limitations. The seemingly short, less-than-a-page bill goes far beyond the scope of both Doe v. Gomez and Roe v. Wade.

Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) released the following statement:

“It is a devastating time for Minnesotans. The Democrats’ extreme, up-until-the-moment-of-birth abortion legislation passed out of the Senate, putting our state on par with just seven radical countries in the world. From the numerous emails I have received from constituents, it is evident that this is not what the majority of Minnesotans want. I stand committed to fighting for life and pushing back against the Democrats’ ongoing, extremist abortion agenda.”

The bill passed on party lines, 34-33. Senate Republicans offered a number of critical amendments—all of which were struck down on party-line votes, and many of which were not deemed worthy of discussion by the majority party. Key amendments that were offered include:

• Ban on third-trimester abortions 
• Prohibition of violent Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortions 
• Language that would have excluded sterilization from the umbrella of “reproductive rights” 
• Requirement of parental notification 
• Language that would have prevented the sterilization of minors  
• Prohibition of abortions due to down syndrome