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| Date: | April 23, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR GAZELKA’S BILL PROTECTING WOMEN, REQUIRING PHYSICIAN TO BE PRESENT FOR ABORTIONS PASSES IN SENATE |
St. Paul—On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed House File 2341 (SF 1912) with bipartisan support, an effort to protect women from the risk of death or serious complications resulting from administration of abortion-inducing drugs. The bill, chief authored by Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd), requires a physician to be physically present when any drug or chemical is used by a patient for the purpose of inducing abortion. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) support this measure.
“I am glad to have the support of my colleagues in the Senate as we work to protect life – both mother and unborn child. It’s common-sense to have a physician present when performing a major medical procedure, especially in the case of abortion because it carries serious risks. Administration of the RU486 abortion drug can leave female patients with complications in their reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, and central nervous systems and patients can even lose their lives. In 2012, women and children deserve the best medical care, anything less is unnecessarily reckless,” said Senator Gazelka. “I am dedicated to protecting mothers and unborn babies and I hope Governor Dayton signs this important bill.”
The House passed HF 2341 on Friday. Therefore, following Monday's passage in the Senate, the bill is en route to the Governor's desk for his signature.
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