Republicans in control of the Wisconsin Assembly have introduced a bill that would seek a statewide referendum on whether abortions should be prohibited after 14 weeks of pregnancy. The proposed legislation has sparked controversy and is expected to face strong opposition from Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who is likely to veto the bill. Despite this, the proposal has the potential to energize conservative voters in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized abortion across the nation. This decision and subsequent Democratic victories have heightened the significance of the abortion issue, as demonstrated by Janet Protasiewicz’s successful campaign for a seat on the state Supreme Court on a platform supporting abortion rights.
Adding to the already tumultuous landscape surrounding abortion in Wisconsin, a judge in Dane County ruled last summer that the state’s 174-year-old ban on abortion solely prohibits feticide, or attempts to kill an unborn child. This ruling emboldened Planned Parenthood to resume operations in September after temporarily halting services following the Supreme Court’s decision. The case is currently under appeal and is likely to reach the state Supreme Court in due course.
A public hearing on the bill has been scheduled for Monday, coinciding with Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Waukesha County, where she will advocate for reproductive rights. The timing ensures that both sides of the abortion debate will have ample coverage. The proposed legislation seeks to amend an existing law that already bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If passed, the new bill would effectively outlaw abortions after 14 weeks, which is roughly three months into the pregnancy.
While 43 states currently have laws prohibiting abortions after a certain stage of viability, Wisconsin’s bill offers a unique twist. It calls for a statewide referendum during April’s election, allowing voters to decide whether the 14-week prohibition should be implemented. If approved, the bill would take effect once the results are certified. Conversely, should the question be rejected, the bill would not come into effect.
It is worth noting that Wisconsin law does not permit voters to determine ballot questions. Consequently, Republican lawmakers have dismissed Governor Evers’ suggestions of creating a means for voters to repeal the 1849 abortion ban. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos previously expressed his desire to allow voters to decide on reducing the timeframe for abortions, citing the need to put an end to the uncertainty arising from outdated laws that are subject to judicial interpretation.
Sponsor of the bill, Representative Amanda Nedweski, stated that reducing the timeframe for abortions could save lives. However, Governor Evers’ spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, reiterated that the governor would veto any bill limiting access to reproductive healthcare. The bill would need to pass both the Assembly and the Senate before reaching the governor’s desk.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, a Republican, expressed skepticism last week, stating that it would be difficult to gather enough support within his caucus to pass an abortion bill that Governor Evers is unlikely to sign. The prospects of the bill advancing are unclear at this stage, with Senate Republicans potentially hesitant to rally around legislation that could face a veto.
In conclusion, the introduction of the abortion bill in Wisconsin comes at a time when the contentious issue is deeply polarizing the nation. With the proposed legislation seeking to ban abortions after 14 weeks of pregnancy and a public hearing scheduled on the same day as Vice President Harris’ visit, the debate is set to take center stage. The outcome remains uncertain, given the likelihood of Governor Evers’ veto and the challenges faced in garnering support within the Republican caucus.
