In a stunning decision, the St. Paul city council passed an “abortion providers appreciation day.” The council voted for the decision 7-0, which says that March 10 is now abortion providers appreciation day.
This comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case that challenges a Louisiana law that requires that abortion clinics have to admit privileges at hospitals no more than 30 miles away. The grounds of the Louisiana law, and laws like it in other states, are that abortion providers must be held to the same safety and medical standard that other medical providers are held to, though abortion advocates say that the effect of the law will be to shutter abortion clinics and drive up costs for those few that remain.
The resolution was authored by councilmembers Rebecca Noecker, Nelsie Yang, Dai Thao and Jane Prince. It cites National Abortion Federation statistics that “found an alarming escalation in incidences of obstruction, vandalism, and trespassing at abortion clinics.”
The resolution also states: “The Supreme Court of the United States now contains a majority of Justices who may not interpret the Constitution to provide protection for the right to end a pregnancy and may overturn or severely limit Roe v. Wade, which includes the threat of women patients and abortion providers being arrested and sent to jail.”
Minnesota Senate Republicans expressed disappointment in the St. Paul decision.
“As the father of 8, and grandfather to 14 beautiful children, I have always known that each life unique and has value and should be protected,” said Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville). “I am saddened by the St. Paul City Council’s vote to approve Abortion Providers Appreciation Day and disappoint in their disregard for the value of life. As long as I am at the Capitol, I will continue to protect innocence and advocate for those without a voice.”
Willis Krumholz
Willis L. Krumholz is a fellow at Defense Priorities. He holds a JD and MBA degree from the University of St. Thomas, and works in the financial services industry. The views expressed are those of the author only. You can follow Willis on Twitter @WillKrumholz.
