If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering how the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade impacts you locally in Minnesota.
How does this impact Minnesota and what will this mean for access to abortion in the future?
What Does It Mean that Roe v. Wade Was Overturned?
In 1973, the case of Roe v. Wade determined that abortion was protected by the U.S. Constitution. In the “right to privacy” clause, whether or not a woman had an abortion was considered to fall under this category.
In the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, the Roe v. Wade decision was overruled, saying that there is not enough depth to this argument to hold a place in the Constitution.
This means that the right is no longer under federal guarantee and should now be decided individually by each of the 50 states.
Is It Likely that Abortions Will Be Banned?
Minnesota protects the right to an abortion up to the point of viability, which can be considered up to 24 weeks gestation. After viability, abortion is unavailable unless the woman’s life or health is in danger.
Currently, abortion is codified in the state constitution, and there is no sign that state legislation is going to make any amendments in the near future.
How Does This Affect Women’s Healthcare?
Women’s healthcare will remain unchanged in the state of Minnesota. Access to abortion will remain the same, and women with high-risk or ectopic pregnancies or suffering from a natural miscarriage will still have access to the care they need.
What’s Next?
If you’re currently facing an unexpected pregnancy, the best proactive step you can take is to schedule an ultrasound to confirm the gestation and viability of the pregnancy. An ultrasound is also important because it can alert you to potential complications such as ectopic pregnancy.
At our clinic, we offer confidential, no-cost ultrasounds that will give you the results and information you need to move forward with clarity in your decision.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
