'I was one of those rare exceptions': Fighting for Reproductive Freedom bus tour stops in Waukesha

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Harris Walz campaign, "Fighting for Reproductive Freedom" Bus Tour made a stop in Waukesha on Sunday, Sept. 29. 

"Kamala has been fighting for reproductive freedom her entire career," said Sara Rodriguez, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor.

As politicians rallied the crowd, this issue is personal for Kenosha native Laurel Marcinkus.

"I want to share with you my story about the impact of Trump's abortion bans," said Marcinkus.

In 2023, Laurel and her husband were pregnant with their baby girl.

"That winter a blood clot caused my water to break too soon," Marcinkus explained.

Doctors said she would lose the child.

"My doctors told me the situation was so severe that I could die. I was one of those rare exceptions," said Marcinkus.

Because of the Wisconsin law that took effect after Roe was overturned, she said she bled for an entire day before getting the care she needed.

"My experience shows that abortion bans inevitably threaten women's lives," said Marcinkus.

Among the other speakers — Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the bus tour.

"This is a personal issue for me, for every one of us. This moment in reproductive freedom, it's so crucial that people get out and vote because our lives are on the line," Whitmer explained.

Marcinkus says she has one wish for those with differing opinions.

"Look at all the women that have come forward, look at our stories, take the time to speak with us, look us in the eye, look at our faces and speak with us on a human level and understand where we are coming from and why we need to have that reproductive freedom," said Marcinkus.

The Fighting for Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour will make a total of 50 stops, focusing on battle ground states from now until election day.