Tim Walz Repealed MN Law Protecting Babies Born After Failed Abortions

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz and the Democratically-controlled state House and Senate repealed the "Born Alive Infants Protection Act" in 2023, along with all other state restrictions on abortion.

Eneacted in 2015, the Born Alive Infants Protection Act stated that "a born-alive infant as a result of an abortion shall be fully recognized as a human person, and accorded immediate protection under the law."

Additionally, the act required that "all reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice, including the compilation of appropriate medical records, shall be taken by the responsible medical personnel to preserve the life and health of the born alive infant."

Five babies died after they were born alive due to a failed induced abortion in 2021, according to an annual report from the Minnesota Department of Health.

That annual report is no longer released, due to Walz's repeal.

According to the 2021 report:

In one instance, fetal anomalies were reported resulting in death shortly after delivery. No measures taken to preserve life were reported and the infant did not survive.

In two instance, comfort care measures were provided as planned and the infant did not survive. •

In two instances, the infant was previable. No measures taken to preserve life were reported and the infant did not survive.

Read the state's entire report on induced abortions in 2021 here.

In 2023, Walz and the state legislature repealed several abortion restrictions, including:

• Elimination of Waiting Periods
  • Walz and state Democrats repealed the mandatory 24-hour waiting period before an abortion could be performed.
• Removal of Parental Notification Requirements
  • A repealed law had required minors to notify their parents before obtaining an abortion.
• Ban on Telemedicine for Abortions
• Restrictions on using telemedicine for prescribing medication abortions were lifted

In addition to repealing Minnesota's remaining abortion restrictions, Walz and the Minnesota legislature moved to end state funding for crisis pregnancy centers in 2023.

Crisis pregnancy centers were eligible for public funding in Minnesota under the state's "Positive Alternatives" law. In 2021, for example, $3,357,000 in grants were awarded for a five-year period, the department said.

Advocates for the centers said they provide crucial services to their communities, including childcare, medical care, parenting classes, free clothes and diapers, assistance with the adoption process, and educational support.

But Democrats argue crisis pregnancy centers are deceptive and only exist to prevent abortions.