MMA, Other Providers Speak in Support of PRO Act

February 2, 2023

MMA President Will Nicholson, MD, participated with physicians, medical students, nurses, and public health experts in a press conference on January 27 in support of the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act).  

The event was held just prior to the Senate convening to act on the bill. That body debated the bill for several hours, finally passing early in the morning on January 28. Gov. Tim Walz signed it into law on January 31.  

“Every patient deserves the support of a licensed healthcare professional, the benefit of our best science and the safety of our highest ethical standards,” Nicholson said.  “Reproductive health is no different.”  The PRO Act states that every individual has a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health care, including a fundamental right to use or refuse reproductive health care. 

“Minnesota physicians appreciate that abortion is a sensitive topic,” Nicholson said. “We are experts in sensitive topics.  Sensitive or not, science clearly shows the benefit of comprehensive reproductive care. Abortion is an essential component of that care.” 

Also speaking was first-year University of Minnesota medical student Aleksandra Bajer, who noted how proud she was to receive her white coat in the medical school’s White Coat ceremony.  She said her white coat is symbolic of the oath she and her fellow students took to first care for their patients, provide the best care possible, and respect the patient’s decisions and autonomy.   

Nicholson was joined by Sarah Traxler, MD, from Planned Parenthood, Siri Fiebiger, MD, from the Minnesota Chapter of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Vosooney, MD, from the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Janna Gerwitz O’Brien, MD, from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Rebekah Nelson, RN, from the Minnesota Nurses Association, Bajer from Med Students for Choice, and Anna Hing, MD, from the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity.