Wisconsin Assembly Speaker seeks ballot referendum regarding abortion laws

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A top Republican lawmaker in Wisconsin has expressed his desire for voters to have a say on the state's abortion laws.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is advocating for a ballot referendum in the new year, which would ask voters whether to limit abortion access to between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This proposal contrasts with the current state law that prohibits abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

This initiative would require the approval of Gov. Tony Evers, who has pledged to reject any measures that restrict abortion access. Vos' proposal emerges as Republicans grapple with addressing women's reproductive rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"I certainly think giving people the opportunity to settle this issue once and for all is good for a state. We need to find some of these contentious issues and not let them continue to fester. We need to find consensus and that’s what Republicans are hoping to do," Vos stated.

Abortions became legal again in Wisconsin following an order from a Dane County judge stating that the state's 1849 ban does not apply to abortions. A lawsuit over this issue is ongoing and is expected to be heard by the state Supreme Court this year.