Minnesota Senate Bill SF336

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

Grant program modification to support pregnant people in carrying their pregnancies to term and new parents caring for babies after birth

Impact

If enacted, SF336 would have a significant impact on state laws concerning public health funding and services related to pregnancy. It seeks to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations to provide essential support to pregnant people and new parents. By specifying that grants can only be awarded to organizations that do not provide abortion services, the bill highlights a clear directive to allocate state resources towards alternatives to abortion and uphold a pro-life stance in public funding decisions.

Summary

SF336 is a legislative bill aimed at modifying a grant program that supports pregnant individuals in carrying their pregnancies to term and assists new parents in caring for their infants after birth. The bill proposes to amend Minnesota Statutes, specifically targeting financial assistance for programs that provide various services, including healthcare referrals, housing support, nutritional services, and education assistance for parents. The legislation is designed to aid in the overall well-being of families during the critical phases of pregnancy and early childcare, particularly emphasizing nondiscriminatory and medically accurate information.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the implications of restricting funding to organizations that may refer patients for abortion or provide abortion services. Critics argue that this could limit access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and undermine the autonomy of women in their healthcare choices. Supporters, however, assert that the focus on providing alternatives strengthens support for those choosing to continue their pregnancies and enhances parental care resources.