MMA, MN Physicians Speak Out on U.S. Supreme Court Abortion Ruling

June 30, 2022

The MMA joined with four other physician specialty groups to speak out against the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on June 24 in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturns a nearly 50-year precedent set by Roe v. Wade and reaffirmed by Planned Parenthood v. Casey.   

“Abortion is a component of comprehensive medical care,” the statement read. “Healthcare decisions, including whether to have an abortion, are deeply personal and should be made between a patient and their physician. The implications of this decision are profound and will include disruption and, in some states, elimination of equitable and safe access to medical care for women in the United States.” 

Joining the MMA on the statement were: the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Minnesota Section; Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians; Minnesota Association of African American Physicians; and the Minnesota Chapter, American College of Physicians. 

Despite the Supreme Court ruling, abortion in Minnesota remains legal because of the 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision, Doe v. Gomez. It is expected, however, that patients across the Midwest will travel to Minnesota for abortions and related services. Both North Dakota and South Dakota are among 13 states with trigger laws that automatically ban abortions as a result of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. 

Consistent with policy recently adopted and affirmed by the Board of Trustees, the MMA remains committed to ensuring access to safe, effective, and equitable healthcare, to upholding the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, and to protecting physicians and other healthcare professionals from criminal penalties for the delivery of evidence-based healthcare services. 

On June 25, Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order protecting access to reproductive healthcare services  in Minnesota. The executive order directs state agencies to pursue opportunities and coordinate amongst one another to further protect people or entities who are providing, assisting, seeking, or obtaining lawful reproductive healthcare services in Minnesota.  

The executive order also prohibits state agencies from aiding in an investigation from other states' attempts to seek civil, criminal, or professional sanctions against anyone seeking, providing, or obtaining lawful reproductive health care services in Minnesota. Additionally, the order includes a provision preemptively declining requests to extradite individuals accused of committing acts related to an abortion.