Wisconsin Republicans quietly introduce 14-week abortion ban bill; Democrats, pro-life groups oppose
WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Republicans announced new abortion legislation Friday, Jan. 19.
The proposal would ban an abortion after 14 weeks unless there's a medical emergency and the mother's life is at risk.
It would also call for a binding statewide referendum on the issue, as Republicans want the issue to appear on the ballot in April.
But the bill is unlikely to go anywhere. Democratic leaders said the bill is a nonstarter, and Governor Evers has pledged to veto it if it did pass.
Plus, many conservatives have also come out against it.
While Republican backers insist Wisconsinites want a compromise abortion plan, pro-life groups say it doesn't go far enough, adding the climate is not right to try for a more restrictive ban.
The bill was introduced quietly Friday, but quickly stirred up a lot of attention.
Republicans like State Senator Mary Felzkowski of Irma say they're optimistic. "I do think there's a real good chance we get it through both houses and onto the Governor's desk."
They claim internal polls show Wisconsinites want an option between the current legal abortions and a total ban.
But the bill introduced Friday is unlikely to gain traction even in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Last week Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu explained why he's not enthusiastic about moving on a more restrictive abortion ban right now: "You can see [Democrats are] sitting back and letting abortion sit out there because they know right now this situation is a winning issue for Democrats."
It's important to note abortions are still being performed in Wisconsin, up until 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood resumed abortions in September of 2023 after a ruling from a Dane County judge.
In the unlikely event the new bill is passed and signed, a binding question would be added to this April's ballot where voters would decide the issue.
But on Friday, Governor Evers pledged to veto it. On social media, he reiterated recent comments from December in which he said, "I'll veto any bill that makes reproductive healthcare any less accessible for Wisconsinites than it is right now."
NEWS: Republicans today officially introduced their latest effort to restrict abortion access in our state.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) January 20, 2024
Let me be crystal clear: I’ll veto any bill that makes reproductive healthcare any less accessible for Wisconsinites than it is right now, including this one. https://t.co/ALDRW3DnZf
Republicans scheduled a public hearing on the bill for Monday afternoon, Jan. 22 in Madison.
But there it will face opposition from pro-life members of the Heal Without Harm coalition.
Gracie Skogman is the Legislative Director of Wisconsin Right to Life. She told us, "There's this false assumption that legislation like this will solve the issue."
Some Heal Without Harm coalition member groups, like Wisconsin Right to Life, say the bill for a 14-week ban is not restrictive enough.
They want more time to change hearts and minds, adding that banning abortion is a discussion that goes beyond one legislative cycle.
Skogman said the bill "doesn't end the battle. And again, that's our concern with this legislation."
Separate from the mechanics of the bill is the politics of it.
Democratic State Senator Melissa Agard of Madison said, "It's another Friday surprise. Not only is this bad policy but it's bad process."
Agard said it's being rushed through, though Republicans say that's only to get it on the ballot as quickly as possible.
There has been recent statewide support for abortion rights, both in polls and recent elections like the one that saw Justice Janet Protasiewicz win a seat on the State Supreme Court.
But Agard said Democrats will not play politics with people's healthcare decisions. "We don't believe that we need to use this as a way to get people to the polls."
Still, Republicans want Evers to let the people decide. Senator Felzkowski said, "That's the compromise that we're giving him. And then we're letting the voters decide if that compromise was accurate."
The next step will come Monday when there will be a public hearing in Madison.
That's the same day Vice President Kamala Harris will be campaigning in Waukesha County. The White House said she'll be specifically talking about expanding reproductive rights.