State Senator Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) released the following statement on the passage of Democrats’ first abortion bill, House File 1, by the Senate at 3 a.m. Saturday:  

“Unfortunately, this is only the beginning. Democrats are pushing an abortion agenda that is as extreme as you or I will ever see. It is a sad day for life in Minnesota. Democrats are recklessly forcing their divisive and deadly agenda to make our state a cold, dark California. I will continue to work toward policy that protects babies and mothers, to foster life.”

The bill was passed on party lines, 34-33. Senate Republicans offered a number of critical amendments—all of which were struck down on party-line votes, and many of which were not deemed worthy of discussion by the majority party. Key amendments that were offered include:

• Ban on third-trimester abortions 
• Prohibition of violent Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortions 
• Language that would have excluded sterilization from the umbrella of “reproductive rights” 
• Requirement of parental notification 
• Language that would have prevented the sterilization of minors  
• Prohibition of abortions due to down syndrome