Jan. 27 - Senate Debates and Passes PRO Act 34-33

Opponents and proponents of the issue filled the halls outside the Senate Chamber to have their voices heard before Senate members took up the proposal known as the Protect Reproductive Options bill or PRO Act. After hours of debate and multiple efforts by Republican members to amend the measure the Senate passed the bill 34-33. PRO Act has been a top priority for Democrats and Minnesota became the first state to take legislative action to protect abortion and other reproductive health care in the nation.

Proponents and opponents on the issue of abortion and reproductive health care made their voices heard in the halls outside the Senate Chamber.

Proponents and opponents on the issue of abortion and reproductive health care made their voices heard in the halls outside the Senate Chamber.

Proponents and opponents on the issue of abortion and reproductive health care made their voices heard in the halls outside the Senate Chamber.

When the Senate Chamber doors closed on the west end of the Capitol, proponents and opponents moved to the rotunda to continue to have their voices heard as debate on PRO Act began.

A proponent and opponent get into a heated discussion as rallies began to move into the rotunda.

Opponents to PRO Act prayed and sang hymns in the rotunda as Senate members began to debate the measure.

Proponents of PRO Act rallied on the second floor of the rotunda.

An opponent of PRO Act carried a crucifix and circled around the second floor of the rotunda passing a proponent of the measure.

Two opponents of PRO Act prayed the rosary on a bench off of the rotunda as Senators debated the bill.

Two proponents of PRO Act talked near the Senate Chamber as debate continued on the bill.

Over seventy amendments to PRO Act awaited action as the members begin debate the bill.

Sen. Jennifer McEwen, chief author of PRO Act, presents the bill to the members.

People in the Senate gallery listen as members debate PRO Act.

After over fifteen hours of debate the Protect Reproductive Options bill is passed by the Seante 34-33. Minnesota is the first state, post-Roe, to pass legislation to protect abortion.