ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation today, House File 809, which would prohibit funding for abortions from state sponsored health programs administered by the Department of Human Services on a bipartisan vote of 77-54. Exceptions would continue to be made in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is in danger.
“This is not a partisan issue; Minnesotans don’t believe their tax dollars should fund abortions,” said Rep. Mary Franson (R-Alexandria). “Unfortunately, the number of taxpayer funded abortions continue to rise in Minnesota. We should conform to federal standards and join the 33 other states that currently ban taxpayer funded abortions.”
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, taxpayer funded abortions has grown to 43.3% of all abortions performed in the state. In 2014, taxpayers paid $950,000 for 3,957 abortions. In 2013, taxpayers paid $800,034 for 3,353 abortions. Since the decision of Doe vs. Gomez by the Supreme Court of Minnesota ruled that women have a right to an abortion, taxpayers have paid more than $23 million for over 77,000 abortions.
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