Supporters of legislation to end state funding for abortion believe taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for an “abhorrent” act. Those who oppose it argue that
HF201, not only takes choice away from Minnesota’s poorest residents but comes in conflict with the state constitution.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) presented the bill to the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee March 15. The committee voted 13-4 to approve the bill and refer it to the House Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee. Its companion,
SF103, sponsored by Sen. Dave Thompson (R-Lakeville), awaits action by the Senate Health and Humans Services Committee.
The crux of the opposition revolves around the bill’s impact on a “very personal” health care choice made available to women who wouldn’t otherwise have the financial means to undergo the procedure, said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester).
“If we pass this bill, we are saying you get to make that choice, except if you’re poor,” Liebling said.
Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron) supports the bill and said it will help serve as an advocate to those who have no voice. He added he doesn’t believe using state funds for abortion procedures is a function of government.
Written opposition testimony from Hamline University Law Professor David Schultz pointed to a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision in Doe v. Gomez that ruled unconstitutional a state law restricting the use of public funds for abortion-related medical services while permitting the use of such funds for comprehensive childbirth-related services.
The bill does not seek to outlaw abortion, but return to the taxpayers the issue of whether state taxpayers should be forced to fund a practice that the majority of citizens oppose, said Jordan Bauer, a legislative associate for Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life.
Scott said she is well aware of the Doe v. Gomez ruling and said it is within the Legislature’s purview to address court decisions “we don’t necessarily agree with.”
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