MMA Supports Legislation Designating Health Care Facilities as Safe Spaces

March 12, 2026

An MMA-supported bill that would designate hospitals and clinics as safe spaces from immigration enforcement actions was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on March 12. 

The legislation, SF 4242 (Mann, DFL – Edina), is intended to help ensure that patients can seek medical care in an environment of trust, safety, and confidentiality. 

MMA President Lisa Mattson, MD, testified in support of SF 4242, stating: “I’m an OB-GYN, and I’ve had colleagues with pregnant patients who were so afraid to go to the hospital that they chose to have unplanned home births rather than risk encountering immigration authorities. When patients are too afraid to seek care, it has real and dangerous consequences for their health.” 

Supporters of the bill said these situations illustrate how fear of immigration enforcement can disrupt access to care and weaken the trust that underpins patient-physician relationships. 

The MMA submitted a letter in support of SF 4242. In its letter, the MMA emphasized that immigration enforcement activity in or around hospitals and clinics can create fear among patients and healthcare staff, and may discourage individuals from seeking needed care. The MMA noted that policies preserving trust in healthcare settings help ensure physicians can focus on caring for patients, and that patients feel safe accessing medical services.  

SF 4242 passed with a vote of 7 to 3. The bill will now be sent to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.