MADISON —Legislation authored by State Sen. André Jacque (R–New Franken), signed into law today, will require hospitals to obtain explicit, written consent from female patients before medical students can perform pelvic examinations while the patient is under anesthesia or unconscious. The bipartisan measure previously passed both the Senate and Assembly in unanimous voice votes.
The Patient Privacy Protection Act ensures that women are fully informed and able to consent to sensitive medical procedures performed for educational purposes—an issue that has drawn increasing national concern and public support.
“This new law affirms a fundamental principle: that women deserve to have their bodily autonomy respected—especially when they are unconscious and vulnerable,” Sen. Jacque said. “Requiring specific consent before conducting these exams is not only about patient rights, but also about compassionate, trauma-informed care.”
Sen. Jacque noted that while the practice of performing pelvic exams on sedated patients during gynecological procedures has historically been used in medical education, it has often occurred without the patient’s knowledge or specific consent. That, he said, is unacceptable in today’s clinical and ethical environment.
“In recent years, many women have bravely come forward to share personal experiences of sexual assault and harassment,” Sen. Jacque said. “To later learn that a sensitive exam may have been performed without their knowledge or permission can re-trigger trauma and erode trust in the health care system. This law will help protect both patients and the integrity of medical training.”
The measure requires that written informed consent be obtained prior to a pelvic examination on a patient who is unconscious or under general anesthesia, unless the exam is medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment. Medical students or other authorized individuals would not be permitted to perform such exams without prior consent for training purposes.
Sen. Jacque emphasized that the law does not hinder medical education, but rather strengthens it by reinforcing the principle of informed consent—something that most patients are willing to provide when asked.
“Most patients will say yes when they’re informed and respected,” Sen. Jacque said. “Teaching future physicians the importance of consent is not a barrier—it’s a benefit to their training and to the profession as a whole.”
This initiative has received broad bipartisan support, with over 30 co-sponsors and formal endorsements from key advocacy and health care organizations including the Wisconsin Nurses Association, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health. It also aligns with the official positions of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“Bu enacting this new law, Wisconsin joins the 28 other states that have already taken action to protect patient consent in medical training,” Sen. Jacque said. “This is a step forward for ethical care, patient trust, and women’s health.”
The measure (Senate Bill 14) was signed into law as Act 22 by Gov. Evers.
