MADISON – Governor Evers called a special session of the Wisconsin State Legislature to create a pathway for Wisconsinites to repeal Wisconsin’s 1849-era criminal abortion ban. Republican leaders indicated that they would gavel out of the special session today without debate. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“The will of the people should be the law of the land, and while I am disappointed by the action of my Republican colleagues, I am not surprised that they have again chosen to ignore the will of the people. We know the majority of Wisconsinites believe that abortion care should be available in our state. Yet, Republicans in the State Legislature, insulated by their gerrymandered majority, refuse to uphold the reproductive freedoms of Wisconsinites.
“Since Roe v. Wade was wrongfully and dangerously overturned by the activist Supreme Court, Republicans have quietly scrubbed their websites of anti-abortion language and disingenuously vocalized support for rape and incest exceptions because they know how outdated and unpopular their anti-choice stance is.
“Here’s the truth – Republicans don’t really respect reproductive liberties. They are simply offering lip service out of political expediency. Republicans have had ample time and opportunity to pass legislation ensuring that Wisconsinite’s access to abortion isn’t dictated by an archaic 1849 state statute – essentially banning abortion without exception. Make no mistake, Republicans want to stand between women and their health care choices, and they have a long track record of doing just that.
“Let me be clear, I will never stop until safe, legal abortion is restored in Wisconsin and we will not rest until pregnant people’s rights are once again respected. We know that the people of Wisconsin stand on the right side of history in support of access to reproductive health care.”