Republican House Helping Abortion Opponents Make Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republican control of the Minnesota House is helping abortion opponents make their case this year.

A House health committee on Wednesday passed a bill to end state funding for abortions. Another bill passed would require licensure for abortion clinics.

Supporters of the moves say taxpayers shouldn't subsidize abortions and that licensing facilities will keep women safe. Opponents say the bills are thinly veiled attempts to cut access to the procedure.

Rep. Tina Liebling says there's no proof that requiring licenses for abortion clinics would protect women. The Rochester Democrat voted with other members of her party against the bills.

Republicans may pass the legislation through the House but could face an uphill battle in the Democratic Senate and governor's office. Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed the licensure bill before.