State’s abortion protections

In “MCC director denounces lawsuit challenging abortion measures” (June 6), it reads “Minnesota’s Constitution already states that women have a right to an abortion … .” This is incorrect. Our Minnesota Constitution was ratified in 1858. Abortion was a felony in Minnesota until it was invalidated by Roe v. Wade in 1973. Abortion was never recognized as a right under the Minnesota Constitution until the Minnesota Supreme Court interpreted it that way, as a right of “privacy,” in the notorious 1995 case of Doe v. Gomez (which also held women receiving public medical assistance have a right to such taxpayer funding even for abortions). Regardless of whether or not Roe v. Wade is ever overturned, abortion will remain legal and taxpayer-funded in Minnesota until we overturn Doe v. Gomez, either by a future Minnesota Supreme Court decision, or by an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution.

Eric C. Nelson, attorney
Minneapolis

Editor’s note: The Catholic Spirit apologizes for the error.

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