Know your rights to abortion and reproductive healthcare in Minnesota

In its 1995 decision in Doe v. Gomez, the Minnesota Supreme Court found that the Minnesota Constitution guarantees the right of every Minnesotan to terminate a pregnancy. The Court explicitly found that the Minnesota Constitution offers broader protection than the United States Constitution of a person’s fundamental right to make reproductive healthcare choices without state interference. This remains the case despite the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Minnesotans' rights continue to be protected.

Attorney General Ellison's office continues to issue guidance to Minnesotans about their rights to the reproductive healthcare of their choice, including abortion.

Consumer Alert: Crisis Pregnancy Centers

If you are pregnant and seeking to learn about or discuss your healthcare options, you should consult with a licensed reproductive healthcare provider.

Many so-called Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) may pose as reproductive healthcare clinics despite not providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare to consumers. Indeed, some CPCs do not provide any healthcare services at all. CPCs are private organizations that attempt to prevent or dissuade pregnant people from accessing their constitutionally protected right under the Minnesota Constitution to a safe and legal abortion.

For example, a recent comprehensive study of the CPC industry found that in Minnesota:

Patients seeking information about their reproductive healthcare options, including abortion-related care, should do their homework before scheduling an appointment with a clinic, center, or provider:

When you arrive for your appointment, make sure you are in the right place.  Many CPCs are located near clinics that provide abortion services and may intentionally use names that are similar to nearby medical clinics.

If you have information or concerns about any CPC that may be providing deceptive or inaccurate information, you should contact the Minnesota Attorney General at:

(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)
(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)
(800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay)
www.ag.state.mn.us/office/Forms/ConsumerAssistanceRequest.asp

Guidance for providers of abortion and reproductive healthcare