RHA Legislative Priorities
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SRHS Grant Funding
The SRHS grant was introduced to the Minnesota Legislature in 1974 and helps fund family planning, sexual, and reproductive health services throughout the state.
Increasing funding for the SRHS grant ensures stability for both urban and rural sexual health clinics across the state who are working to provide culturally appropriate, inclusive and evidence-based services for their communities.
Many of RHA’s member organizations receive SRHS funding.
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Workforce Capacity
There is a growing need for sexual and reproductive health services across the state of Minnesota. Advocating for workforce capacity would equip providers with the tools and skills needed to best serve Minnesotans. This could include:
1. Require comprehensive and integrated SRH education (emphasizing essential content areas such as reproductive anatomy, family planning, LGBTQ+ health, and sexual function/dysfunction)
2. Provide funding, development, and implementation for sexual and reproductive health curriculum in training programs
3. Promote research and evaluationRHA is in alignment with the national advocacy priorities of the American Medical Association (AMA).
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Over-the-Counter Contraception
Reflecting broader national trends, Minnesota is experiencing a growing push to expand access to over-the-counter (OTC) contraception options.
By remaining steadfast in legislative advocacy efforts and producing evidence-driven research, RHA hopes to see the passing of bill SF 1054, which would ensure affordability and increase public awareness of insurance coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives.
Learn more here.
The Importance of Legislative Advocacy
After the 2023 legislative session, RHA celebrated the additional $6.3 million appropriated for sexual and reproductive health. Our efforts were overall successful, after the 2025 session budget cuts, RHA member clinics are now short of nearly $2 million. While we are collectively grieving this loss of funding, we are deeply grateful for the advocacy and support in the state legislature, especially from Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
We know that publicly supported clinics in the US reduce rates of preterm births, STDs, infertility, and cervical cancer. A continued investment saves our government billions - for example, taxpayers save $7.09 for every dollar spent on sexual and reproductive healthcare. At RHA, we collectively believe in a future where all Minnesotans have equitable access to reproductive and sexual health care and education, and will continue to advocate for legislation that supports all aspects of reproductive justice.
RHA Lobbyist
Katy Sen: Legislative Counsel with Messerli Kramer
