Legislation Introduced to Repeal Abortion Law

Democratic legislators rolled out a bill this week that would repeal Wisconsin’s abortion ban and revert abortion access in the state back to June 23, 2022: the day before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey. 

“This bill will simply restore access to safe, legal abortion in Wisconsin to what it was on June 23, 2022 – nothing more and nothing less,” said Gov. Tony Evers in a statement about the bill, LRB-0692, authored by Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison).

The Democratic version followed the Republican release last week of a bill that would create rape and incest exception to the state’s 1849 abortion ban, and clarify when abortions that protect the health of the mother would be allowed. That bill – LRB-2151, authored by Rep. Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) and Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) – would not restore the same rights that were in place under Roe v. Wade.

The winner of the state Supreme Court race on April 4 will determine majority control, which will likely decide a lawsuit filed by Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul just days after Roe v. Wade was overturned.