DFL lawmakers opposed to GOP-backed abortion bills stand with allies at State Capitol
The Minnesota House voted (79-53) to pass a bill requiring that Minnesota abortion clinics be licensed and inspected. Opponents say the proposal is an effort to restrict women’s access to healthcare. Republican Representative Kathy Loehmer (loh-mer) of Stillwater voted “yes” on the bill and questioned why anyone would vote “no.” She argues the bill simply asks ” state of Minnesota to assure that women in the state who choose to have an abortion are safe.” But Democratic Representative Tina Liebling of Rochester voted “no,” saying the bill was “full of holes” and added that if “safety for women is really, really what we’re concerned about, there might be a way to get there, but this bill sure is not that way.”
Another Republican-backed bill banning state-sponsored health programs from paying for abortions also passed in the House (77-54). The bill’s author, Republican Mary Franson of Alexandria says…
Representative Liebling argued that Republicans often talk about limited government…
Both bills face an uphill battle if they get to Governor Dayton’s desk–as he’s vetoed similar bills in the past.