The 34th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade occured two weeks ago, and there could not have been a more stark difference in the way that day was commemorated than in the activities of the Minnesota and North Dakota legislature.
Here in Minnesota, while Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life picketed the Capitol, legislators like Sandy Pappas and Neva Walker were supporting plans to reduce abortions, such as promoting funding for family planning and extensive sex ed classes.
Across the border, North Dakota remembered the anniversary by hearing a handful of bills designed to end safe access to abortions, including making the procedure a felony at all times, even if the life of the mother is in danger.
Which approach is more likely to end abortions? One that goes to the root of the issue, providing support, education and contraception, or one that threatens with a life sentence in jail?
Prevention is always preferable to punishment.
This is just one of the many reasons I live in Minnesota and not in North Dakota. We address people before scoring political points.