In reference to Pam Altendorf's "From the capitol" article, Jan. 26, Ms Altendorf states that the DFL abortion bill is extreme legislation – no restrictions on abortions. I agree with her on this. However, nationally, some Republicans do hold an extreme position also – no abortions at all.
Pitting one extreme against the other causes stalemate. This keeps the issue unresolved for decades to come. Meanwhile, women around the country remain confused and angry. So, I'm unhappy with that from a national perspective.
However, Ms Altendorf does state that Minnesota Republicans offered an amendment with some restrictions, which at face value, seem reasonable. This suggests that the Minnesota Republican party favors some kind of a compromise solution.
I support that, along with most moderate voters. So their position on this is indeed refreshing.
Too bad the DFL was not willing to compromise with them. So, I'm disappointed with them.
Then she states that abortion clinics (medical clinics where abortions are performed) should be licensed, just like hairstylists and morticians. This also, at face value, seems reasonable, but, it turns out, a bit confusing.
Yes, a hairstylist (the person) needs a license and a mortician (the person) needs a license. But so does a doctor (the person) who performs abortions. So, medical clinics that provide abortions are already licensed in the same way as their hair salon and mortuary counterparts. So, I'm confused about what they want.
In addition, I could not find licensing agencies for medical clinics (facilities) that perform abortions, and the text of the proposed law does not list one, which would normally be done.
Presumably, if such a bill passed, all such clinics would be closed, which seems extreme.
My guess is that the courts would probably not allow the state to create a requirement that is impossible to achieve.
Nonetheless, to put on a face of reasonableness, while pushing a hidden extreme solution, the Republicans seem to lack transparency in this. I am disappointed.
Now I might have this all wrong, this is a complex issue. Could someone please clarify?
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