MADISON – Today, alongside several health care providers and advocates, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) and Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison) introduced LRB-2921, the Abortion Rights Restoration Act (ARRA). The bill would establish a statutory right to abortion and repeal a number of dangerous and medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care. Representative Subeck and Senator Roys released the following statements:
Rep. Subeck: “Republican politicians and extreme right-wing Justices on the Supreme Court have unleashed a neverending onslaught of attacks on access to abortion, including the repeal of Roe v. Wade and a proposed federal abortion ban. The Abortion Rights Restoration Act would ensure that every Wisconsinite has the right to determine their own future and make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. Abortion is essential and often life-saving health care. It should be available safely, legally, and without judgement because every pregnancy is different and every patient’s circumstances are unique.”
Senator Roys: “There is never a circumstance where politicians are in a better position to make reproductive healthcare decisions than an individual and their doctor. Every Wisconsinite deserves the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions, without interference from politicians.”
The Abortion Rights Restoration Act removes the following restrictions and bans on abortion care:
- 1849 abortion ban — State law currently prohibits any person, other than the mother, from intentionally destroying a fetus. As long as this law is on the books, politicians or activist judges could use this law to limit access to care.
- State-mandated biased information and delay — Patients are required to attend two appointments because doctors must provide a state-mandated booklet that contains medically inaccurate, coercive propaganda and interferes with the patient’s right to informed consent.
- Ultrasound requirement — Patients must receive an ultrasound even when medically unnecessary, adding additional costs and emotional duress.
- Provider ban — Only physicians are allowed to provide abortions, even though Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and APRNs are qualified to provide abortion care and do so safely in many states.
- Telehealth and medication abortion restrictions — Medication abortion cannot be provided unless the physician performs a physical exam and is physically present in the room when the medication is taken. Wisconsin physicians are prohibited from providing abortion medication through telemedicine, making it harder for women in rural and underserved areas to receive care.
- Coverage bans — Insurance coverage for abortion care is prohibited for public employees and for patients covered by qualified health plans offered through a health benefit exchange in the state, like the ACA. This has forced patients to pay out-of-pocket for abortion care.
- Admitting privileges restriction — Only physicians who have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles may provide abortion care. [This law has been struck down as unconstitutional.]
