Minnesota Senate backs abortion rights

The Minnesota Senate has voted to write broad protections for abortion rights into state statutes, which would make it difficult for future courts to roll back. The pill passed 34-33 early Saturday after a marathon debate.

While a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision protects abortion rights, sponsors want to make sure those protections remain in force no matter who sits on future courts. The House passed the bill last week.

Republican lawmakers, who complain Minnesota has some of the fewest restrictions on abortion in the country, tried unsuccessfully to attach “guard rails” such as bans on third-trimester abortions.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, says the vote enacts the most extreme bill in the country.

Gov. Tim Walz hopes to sign it before the end of the month.

AP