MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin legislators, alongside health care providers and advocates in Madison, introduced the “Abortion Rights Restoration Act” on Wednesday.
The bill would repeal what lawmakers say are several “dangerous and medically unnecessary restrictions.” That includes the state’s 1849 abortion ban, an ultrasound requirement, insurance coverage bans, and state-mandated information and delays.
Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, and Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, are authors of the bill, which they say would overall establish a right to an abortion.
“There is never a circumstance where politicians are in a better position to make reproductive health care decisions than an individual and their doctor. Every Wisconsinite deserves the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions, without interference from politicians,” said Roys in a release.
Wisconsin Republicans have yet to respond to the newly introduced bill.
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.”
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is currently considering whether to reactivate a 175-year-old abortion ban, which was triggered after the Dobbs decision. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in February last year asking the state Supreme Court to rule on whether a constitutional right to an abortion exists in the state.
“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.
Abortion has been at the center of recent Wisconsin political races, such as the latest state Supreme Court race. Michigan, Minnesota and Colorado are among the states that have repealed their abortion bans and restrictions in the wake of the Dobbs decision.
“Abortion is essential and often life-saving health care. It should be available safely, legally, and without judgement because every pregnancy is different and every patient’s circumstances are unique,” said Subeck in a release.
Read the full bill below: