Gov. Walz signs executive order to protect abortion care for Minn., surrounding states
(KSTP/file)
Gov. Tim Walz took executive action Saturday to ensure reproductive health services for residents of Minnesota’s neighboring states in the event that they lose access to abortion care at home.
Executive Order 22-16 is effective immediately to assist both Minnesotans and those from other states, the governor’s office reported Saturday morning.
The order says the governor will decline requests to extradite non-Minnesota-residents who are accused of committing reproductive-health-related acts that are legal in Minnesota.
22-16 also prohibits Minnesota state agencies from assisting other states in sanctioning those who seek or provide services that are legal in Minnesota.
Within that scope, Walz orders state agencies to protect those seeking and providing reproductive or abortion services to the fullest extent of their authority.
Read the official order below.
Later on Saturday, Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will host Democratic U.S. Sens. Klobuchar and Smith for a 2 p.m. press conference at the state capitol.
The four officials are expected to respond to Friday’s overturning of Roe v. Wade along with Sarah Stoesz, the CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States.
Check back for updates on the press conference and other coverage related to Roe v. Wade.