Gov. Tim Walz said this week that he is “open” to the idea of enshrining abortion access in Minnesota’s state constitution

“I think making sure we have the strength in place, making sure we continue to firewall, I’m certainly open to, if the legislature determines that’s the best route,” Walz said in response to a question about the possibility of a ballot amendment on abortion during the 2024 election. Every seat in the Minnesota House also will be up for election in November. Democrats currently hold a 70-64 majority in that chamber, meaning Republicans need to pick up just four seats to take back control.

The question was asked during a press conference Monday held by Walz and other state officials with Planned Parenthood. Former DFL Rep. Ruth Richardson, who is also the CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, was present and spoke during the press conference.

Walz praised other states that have “protections” for abortion in their state constitutions. “Montana is somewhat of an outlier out in that part of the country … they have strong constitutional protections [for abortion],” he said. “That’s the only thing standing between them being Idaho.”