MADISON, Wis. — On Wednesday, Wisconsin legislative Democrats launched a new bill to protect Wisconsinites from losing access to life-saving reproductive health care.
After Roe v. Wade was overturned, Wisconsin Republicans invoked an 1849 criminal abortion ban, which does not include exceptions for rape, incest, or health of the mother, to restrict reproductive freedom in Wisconsin. But, Wisconsin Democrats will not stop fighting back against Republicans’ dangerous attacks. Democrats are working to restore and expand reproductive health care so that every Wisconsinite has the right to make their own decisions about their own body without interference from a politician or judge.
See more coverage below on Wisconsin Democrats’ efforts to protect abortion access:
WPR: “Wisconsin Democrats have introduced a bill that would do away with restrictions on abortion in Wisconsin, including repealing a Civil War-era law long interpreted as banning abortion in the state. […] But the bill introduced Wednesday would do more than repeal that ban. It would end requirements that people pursuing abortions must attend counseling and view an ultrasound of their pregnancy. It would also allow for telehealth and medication abortion to be practiced in Wisconsin, and it would do away with a requirement that doctors who perform abortions must have nearby hospital admitting privileges. Supporters of abortion access argue those restrictions especially affect people living in rural areas with limited access to hospitals. The bill’s supporters say the legislation ensures abortion is regulated in the same way as other health practices — not more or less. ‘Politicians have treated abortion differently than any other medical procedure. They have placed limits on if and how abortion can be provided. They have implemented numerous hoops to jump through to obtain care,’ said Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, a lead sponsor of the bill.”
Spectrum News: “Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin say this bill is the next step in protecting reproductive freedom in the state. ‘This bill is about protecting a person’s ability to decide for herself what kind of reproductive health care is needed,’ said Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin. “This bill is about protecting health care professionals from criminal punishments for providing patient-centered and medically indicated health care for their patients.’ […] ‘Restrictions forcing physicians like me to read a script riddled with medically inaccurate information, scare tactics and, frankly, biased language about the abortion care that they need is not evidenced-based medicine,’ said Dr. Ashlyn Brown, who practices family medicine.”
GazetteXtra: “‘Abortion is essential and often life-saving health care,’ Subeck said at Wednesday’s press conference. ‘It should be available safely, legally, and without judgement.’ ‘Every Wisconsinite deserves the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions, without interference from politicians,’ Roys concurred. Bronwynn Ziemann and several of her fellow UW-Madison medical students shared their belief in abortion as a part of healthcare and their desire to support their patients and ‘practice the entire scope of healthcare.’ Brown expressed concern about state mandates that push patients past the time in which they are able to legally receive an abortion and about rural patients’ ability to access abortions. State Rep. Ann Roe (D-Janesville) joined in Wednesday’s press conference. ‘Politicians do not belong in doctors’ offices, interfering with care and robbing women of their freedom to follow their dreams, care for their bodies, and care for their families. I trust women to make the best decisions for themselves,’ Roe said in a release.”
WKOW 27 News: “The proposed legislation aims to repeal Wisconsin’s 1849 law, which some interpret as a near-total abortion ban. It would also remove mandated counseling, ultrasound, and two-visit requirements for obtaining an abortion. Additionally, the bill seeks to eliminate restrictions on medication abortions. Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) acknowledged Republican opposition but emphasized the Democrats’ determination. ‘We will be getting a hearing on this bill. If it’s not this session, it will be next session. Mark my words. Democrats are united,’ said Roys.”
WMTV 15 News: “The legislation would also create a statute to protect each person’s right to make their own reproductive health care decisions. ‘This legislation is about making a future here in Wisconsin where everyone has access to the health care they need, where every single person has the ability to thrive,’ Democratic State Senator Kelda Roys said.”
