Now that the Supreme Court has returned the abortion decision to the states, it’s up to our elected officials to protect preborn children by enforcing Wisconsin’s pre-Roe abortion ban, statute 940.04.
However, Governor Tony Evers, Attorney General Josh Kaul, and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisolm have already stated that they do not plan on enforcing s.940.04.
During an abortion rights rally at this weekend’s Wisconsin Democratic Party convention, Governor Evers stated that he will grant clemency to anyone who is charged and convicted of crimes for performing abortions in Wisconsin. Attorney General Kaul met with Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday for an abortion rights roundtable, and has since restated his position that he’s “committed with the Wisconsin Department of Justice to not to use any of our resources, either to investigate or prosecute anybody for violations of a 19th century abortion ban.” And District Attorney Chisolm has stated “that nobody thinks it would be a good idea for police and prosecutors to get between decisions that are made between a woman and her physician.”
In response to these disappointing statements, Gracie Skogman, Wisconsin Right to Life’s legislative/PAC director, shared, “All life is worthy of protection, and Wisconsin is in a powerful position to defend life in this new post-Roe framework. Women in Wisconsin deserve life affirming options and support, and they deserve elected officials who will put more effort into providing them with true resources than into fighting against the law for their right to abortion.”
Heather Weininger, Wisconsin Right to Life’s executive director, stated, “To Governor Evers, Attorney General Kaul, and Wisconsin’s District Attorneys who will not enforce this law, we say: You are on the wrong side of history. It is your duty to all Wisconsinites to enforce the laws we have, including s.940.04. If you are unable to do what you are elected to do, then it is time for you to find another job. During this election season and in the 2023 legislative session, we are ready and willing to fight for these innocent lives by whatever means necessary, which includes replacing you with a new Governor and Attorney General. Our next priority will be to find replacements for local district attorneys who are not willing to enforce the law.”
