MADISON, Wis. – Following Tuesday’s primary election, Wisconsin physicians today spoke out regarding the high stakes for women’s medical freedom and health in the upcoming election to fill a seat on the state Supreme Court. Wisconsin voters will fill that vacancy in an April 4 election between Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz and former Justice Dan Kelly.
“Doctors like us are following this election very closely for many reasons, including our ability to provide the quality, evidence-based, compassionate health care that our patients deserve,” said Dr. Kristin Lyerly, a Green Bay OB/GYN, member of CTP’s Reproductive Freedom Taskforce, and intervenor in Attorney General Kaul’s lawsuit against Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban. “Judge Protasiewicz has put her belief that women should have the freedom to make their own decisions about their own bodies front and center. That is why she has my support, and the support of my colleagues and patients.”
The physicians emphasized that this election could flip the Wisconsin Supreme Court from its current 4-3 conservative majority to one that values reproductive freedom. The court will likely be the final arbiter on Attorney General Josh Kaul’s lawsuit against the state’s 1849 abortion ban.
“The upcoming Supreme Court election could result in doctors being able to do our jobs to the best of our abilities, using all our extensive training, to achieve the best health outcomes – or it could result in our hands remaining tied, putting patients at risk because of a law put on the books 174 years ago,” said Dr. Christopher Ford, a Milwaukee emergency medicine physician and intervenor in Attorney General Kaul’s lawsuit. “In so many ways, Wisconsin’s abortion ban is hurting women and girls and putting their health, well-being, even their lives at risk. Our state Supreme Court needs to take this into account when interpreting the law around abortion. Wisconsin voters should take this into account when voting for our next state Supreme Court justice. Together we can show that Wisconsin values women’s lives.”
Judge Janet Protasiewicz, a candidate for the court, has been clear about her support for a woman’s right to make her own decisions around abortion. Her opponent, former justice Daniel Kelly, opposes abortion and has made inflammatory statements about this routine health care. Kelly is also endorsed by two anti-abortion organizations, including one which supports banning all abortion with no exceptions, even for the woman’s life.
“Doctors shouldn’t have lawmakers telling us how to do our jobs, and women shouldn’t have their personal health care choices made for them by Supreme Court justices,” said Dr. Shefaali Sharma, a Madison OB/GYN. “Simply put, there’s no room in the exam room for politicians or politics. Like doctors and most residents in this state, Protasiewicz trusts women to decide what is best for themselves and their families. As a physician, I encourage all Wisconsin voters who value reproductive freedom and women’s health to vote for Judge Protasiewicz.”
