Minnesota House Bill HF1809

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Partial-birth abortions and abortions in third trimester of pregnancy prohibited, licensure of abortion facilities required, notice to parent or guardian of minor on whom an abortion is performed required, unborn child who is born alive following an attempted abortion required to be treated as person under law, and money appropriated.

Impact

The implementation of HF1809 will lead to significant changes in Minnesota's abortion laws, particularly concerning the licensure of abortion facilities. Each facility will need to meet stringent standards to obtain and maintain their licenses, which may raise operational costs and potentially reduce the number of such facilities statewide. The licensure process and associated fees are anticipated to regulate abortion providers more closely, aiming to enhance the safety and quality of care given to patients. The law also ensures that parents or guardians of minors are informed if a minor undergoes an abortion, impacting the teen's autonomy in making reproductive choices.

Summary

House File 1809 aims to prohibit partial-birth abortions as well as abortions during the third trimester of pregnancy. The bill stipulates that an unborn child born alive after an attempted abortion is to be treated as a person under the law, affording it certain legal protections. Additionally, it introduces licensure requirements for abortion facilities, ensuring that any facility that performs 10 or more abortions a month must be licensed by the state and adhere to specific operational guidelines. Parental notification is also mandated in circumstances where a minor is involved, unless a medical emergency necessitates the procedure without consent.

Contention

Several points of contention are likely to arise from HF1809. First, the prohibition on partial-birth and third-trimester abortions reflects a broader national debate on reproductive rights and access to healthcare. Advocates for reproductive freedom may argue that these restrictions infringe upon personal autonomy and privacy. Additionally, the requirement for parental notification, while aiming to engage parents in minors' health decisions, raises concerns regarding the potential for increased barriers to access for young individuals seeking abortions, particularly in cases involving difficult family dynamics or abuse. Overall, while some support the bill as a measure of protecting life, others view it as a significant encroachment on reproductive rights.