MADISON, Wis – Today, Legislative Republicans gaveled in and out of Governor Evers’ special session to begin the process of allowing voters to overturn an abortion law passed in 1849, by establishing binding referenda in Wisconsin. This is the eleventh out of twelve special sessions called by the governor, that has been gaveled in and gaveled out with no action taken by Republicans in the Legislature. In response, Representative Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:
“Reproductive rights are human rights, and abortion is healthcare. Wisconsin should not be a state in which women have diminished rights and are treated like second-class citizens. Abortion is not a controversial issue. Nearly 70% of Wisconsinites believe abortion should be legal in all or in most cases. The will of the people should be the law of the land. When a strong majority of Wisconsinites support access to abortion, elected officials should listen and act.”
“As legislators, it is our job to be responsive to those we are elected to represent. Yet, Republicans are again derelict in their duties by not showing up to work for the people of Wisconsin. Abortion is an important aspect of healthcare for many women, and denial of that healthcare can be dangerous, and disproportionately affects women of color. This is unacceptable. Wisconsin families deserve better and should demand it at the ballot box in November. ”
