A bill that would put abortion rights into Minnesota law is headed for a vote in the full Senate, after reserved but emotional testimony and debate in its final committee this afternoon (Wed). 61-year Melody Olson told lawmakers her parents made the decision to enter a clinic and allow a doctor to end the pregnancy: “But as my grandmother many years later when she revealed this family secret said, ‘Well, it didn’t work, ’cause here you are.’ Yes, I survived an attempted abortion,” Olson testified. Retired state Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson says the country was founded on the idea that the United States is a secular nation, but even religions have different views of when life begins. Anderson says some believe at conception, but in the Jewish view “the soul and the human being is there when the left shoulder emerges from the womb.” A vote in the full Senate might come next week. The Minnesota House votes on the bill tomorrow night (Thurs).
Abortion rights bill awaits vote in MN Senate after clearing final committee
About the Author: Ashley Hanley
Ashley (Goettl) Hanley is a North Mankato native and Mankato West graduate who made the switch from TV journalism to radio.
After five years at KEYC News 12, Ashley is thrilled to be working for KTOE News. Ashley and her husband John, and son John, enjoy spending time in the community. You can also find Ashley coaching and playing softball and supporting her brother on the MSU football team and her sister with Scarlet athletics.
Even though she went to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Ashley kept her Minnesota roots and is a big Twins and Vikings fan!