Legislative Session Update

In this episode, Erin Hart, Megan Peterson, Jess Braverman, and Abena Abraham talk through the latest updates from the Minnesota legislature and abortion rights. First, we cover the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, a Minnesota law that protects patients and providers from legal attacks from anti-abortion states. The bill is expected to be voted on in the House on Monday, March 20. Legal director Jess Braverman provides an overview of cases coming out of Texas and the legal landscape that patients and providers are facing. The Red River Women’s Clinic in Minnesota won a case challenging the trigger ban in North Dakota, affirming constitutional protection for abortion in the state constitution. The Center for Reproductive Rights brought the case to court, resulting in a significant win. Megan and Abena touch on their recent trip to the Abortion Care Network Conference, where they discussed the cases coming out of Texas and the lawsuit against the FDA for its approval of Mifepristone. The conversation emphasized the need for medically accurate and supportive pregnancy care, particularly for vulnerable communities. The group also gives an update on the other bills moving at the Capitol, including the Positive Pregnancies Support Act and the Reproductive Freedom Codification Act. Jess wraps up the conversation with an update on the lawsuit Doe v. Minnesota and the latest motion to intervene from an anti-abortion group. ### Visit the "Gender Justice" Website here and "Unrestrict Minnesota" here. Erin Hart, Communications Director at Gender Justice, hosts the Gender Justice Brief. The GJB is produced by Gunther Michael Jahnl & Audra Grigus.