WISCONSIN – Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) issued the following statement today, in response to the Republicans’ failure to approve a pathway for voters to repeal Wisconsin’s harmful and unpopular 1849 criminal abortion ban.
Statement from Tanya Atkinson, president of Planned Parenthood Advocates of WI
“Today Republican members of the Legislature demonstrated just how determined they are to control people’s personal decisions and block access to essential health care when they denied voters’ the power to overturn Wisconsin’s 173 year old criminal abortion ban. Republicans have refused to overturn the 1849 abortion ban and today went one step further by blocking people from voting on important issues that directly impact their health and lives.
Criminalizing medical care is harming people, including those who have serious health conditions, victims of rape and incest as well as those who are simply not ready to become a parent. People who do not have access to the financial resources and support they need to travel out of state are forced to delay abortion care or forced to carry pregnancies, including those that are dangerous to women’s health or the result of sexual abuse. PPAWI is sincerely grateful that Governor Evers is doing everything in his power to change this reality.
Deciding if or when to become a parent is one of the most personal, life-changing decisions we will make. Everyone should have the freedom and power to control their own bodies and determine when they want to start a family, without politicians interfering.
Fortunately, on November 8, people will have the power to vote for candidates like Governor Evers who believes you should have the authority to make your own health care decisions, control your future and safely access the health care services you need in Wisconsin.”
