Thirteen Catholics, all Democrats, voted for the “Protect Reproductive Options” Act in the Minnesota Legislature.
The bill will place into Minnesota law a “fundamental right” to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, via any method and for any reason, with no age restrictions.
The bill doesn’t just apply to abortion. It protects the right of “every individual,” including minors, to access “reproductive health care” services such as contraception and sterilization.
Because the measure passed by so few votes in both chambers, these thirteen ‘Catholic’ Lawmakers effectively were responsible for the measure being signed into law.
Catholic Lawmakers Voting for the PRO Act
| Lawmaker | Contact |
|---|---|
 Rep. Matt Norris (DFL)District 32B - Blaine, Lexington | 651-296-2907 rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL)District 34B - Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids | 651-296-0141 rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL)District 39A - Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, Spring Lake Park | 651-296-5369 rep.erin.koegel@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL)District 40A - Arden Hills City, Blaine, Mounds View, New Brighton, Shoreview | 651-296-0141 rep.kelly.moller@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL)District 42B - Medicine Lake, Plymouth | 651-296-5511 rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL)District 42A - Little Canada, Maplewood, North Saint Paul | 651-296-5363 rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL)District 48B - Chanhassen, Chaska, Shorewood City | 651-296-5066 rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL)District 54A - Shakopee City, Jackson Township | 651-296-8872 rep.brad.tabke@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. John Huot (DFL)District 56B - Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount | 651-296-4306 rep.john.huot@house.mn.gov |
 Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL)District 64B - Saint Paul | 651-296-4199 rep.dave.pinto@house.mn.gov |
 Sen. John Hoffman (DFL)District 34 - Champlin, Dayton, Rogers, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids | 651-296-4154 https://www.senate.mn/members/email-form/1205 |
 Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL)District 36 - Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights | 651-296-1253 https://www.senate.mn/members/email-form/1263 |
 Sen. Kari Dziedzic (DFL)District 60 - Minneapolis | 651-296-7809 https://www.senate.mn/members/email-form/1193 |
All thirteen ‘Catholics’ reside within the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis which is under the responsibility of Archbishop Bernard Hebda. Four hours prior to passage of the legislation, Archbishop Hebda along with the other bishops of Minnesota wrote a letter protesting the bills and had it hand-delivered to every lawmaker.
Now Hebda is faced with the question of whether he will enforce Canon 915 which prevents pro-abortion lawmakers from receiving Holy Communion.
Canon 915 dictates that those who “obstinately persisting in manifesting grave sin” MUST be denied access to Holy Communion. A pastor or bishop who allows supporters of abortion/infanticide to receive Communion is demonstrating to the whole Church that this is not sinful. He is also announcing to the whole Church that he is untroubled by the prospect of living, himself, habitually in the state of mortal sin.
Other bishops have recently enforced Cannon 915, including Bishop Thomas Paprocki in the case of Dick Dubin and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in the case of Nancy Pesoli.