MADISON, Wis. – Today, the Republican-led State Senate gaveled in and out of the special session called by Governor Evers to repeal the pre-Civil War law criminalizing almost all abortion procedures in Wisconsin. In other words, it took Republicans only 15 seconds to choose to maintain restrictive abortion laws that ban abortion in almost all cases, including cases of rape and incest.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:
“Decisions about when or whether to start a family are among life’s most personal and intimate choices, and parents and doctors should be making them—not politicians. But Republican politicians have made themselves clear: they will continue to put politics ahead of the will of Wisconsinites and their ability to access critical reproductive health care. Because of GOP inaction, should the Supreme Court overturn the right to an abortion, nearly all abortions could be illegal in Wisconsin, and doctors could be jailed for doing their jobs.
“Today’s special session makes clear how high the stakes are in 2022. If Republicans get control of state government, they may pass even more extreme laws than the pre-Civil War ban already on the books. Republicans running for governor have all advocated for extreme restrictions on reproductive care that are out of touch with the majority of Wisconsinites.
“Governor Evers has been the last line of defense in Wisconsin on protecting access to abortion — he vetoed nine bills that would have restricted abortion and reproductive health care pushed by Wisconsin Republicans. Gov. Evers is the only gubernatorial candidate on the ballot who supports access to safe and legal abortion. He will never stop fighting for Wisconsinites’ ability to make their own personal health care decisions.”
