Minnesota GOP-endorsed AG candidate sat on board of non-profit that spread anti-abortion misinformation

Minnesota attorney general candidate Jim Schultz previously sat on the board of directors for a pro-life organization that spreads lies about abortion, the Minnesota Reformer reported Monday. 

If elected attorney general, Schultz would have the power to oversee charities and non-profits in Minnesota. The Human Life Alliance (HLA) is a non-profit that works to spread anti-abortion awareness “without exception or compromise.” Some of the information on the HLA’s website suggests that abortion causes women to be more aggressive while raising children and be more at risk of breast cancer, drug abuse and mental health disorders. They also do not believe an abortion can save a woman’s life in some cases.  

In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, host Mike Mulcahy asked Schultz whether he would enforce current laws that he does not agree with. The candidate said he would support Minnesota’s current precedent.  

“What I’ll do is enforce the laws that are on the books. Any constitutional law that is on the books, I will enforce. Even if I don’t like it, even if I would prefer a different policy or a different law, I’ll enforce it,” Schultz said.  

In Minnesota, abortion is still legal after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision took away the right federally. However, Schultz seemed to express his desire to change that when asked about abortion during a candidate forum in March.   

“As attorney general, I will absolutely do everything I can to ensure that the most vulnerable among us, the unborn child, are defended aggressively,” Schultz contended. “And we need to not just be on defense on this issue. The fact is, Democrats are the extremists on this issue. I’ll be the one going on offense on the issue. So many times, Democrats attack us, the media attack us, and then the Republicans go into this defensive crouch.” 

Schultz recently received an endorsement from the Minnesota Republican Party for the primary that will take place on Aug. 9. The winner will face incumbent Democrat Keith Ellison.