Contact: Iris Riis
608-256-7549 x2132
iris.riis@ppwi.org
MADISON – Today, Sen. Jon Erpenbach and Rep. Chris Taylor unveiled the Respect Women Act, which promotes a vision that a woman has the ability and support to make her own reproductive health care decisions free from harassment, intimidation, political interference or false information.
Nicole Safar, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) issued the following statement:
“PPAWI applauds Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Taylor for their leadership on this package of bills that recognizes that a woman, not politicians, knows what decision is best for her and her family. Deciding to start a family, delay becoming a parent or ending a pregnancy are some of the most personal decisions a woman could make. She should be able to make those decisions without political interference and having the full confidence that her provider’s advice is based on medical best practice.
“We need laws like this in Wisconsin because over the last six years, legislators have passed laws that take information and options away from a woman and her family. These laws disregard medical science, the wellbeing of patients and the importance of doctor-patient relationship. This unprecedented political interference with patients’ personal health care decision undermines women’s health in Wisconsin.
“As Planned Parenthood works to expand access to abortion care in Wisconsin with the opening of our new health center in Milwaukee, this package of bills takes our vision for increased health care options further by prioritizing access to comprehensive reproductive health care, ensuring patients receive accurate information and enhancing patient and provider safety. At Planned Parenthood, our goal is to increase access to essential health care.”