Wisconsin Republicans rejoice, Democrats condemn ending right to abortion
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republicans and Democrats in Wisconsin are reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court reversing Roe v. Wade on Friday, declaring constitutional rights to an abortion no longer exists.
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has stopped preforming abortions as questions remain whether Wisconsin 1849 abortion ban goes into effect immediately. The 173-year-old law prohibits nearly all abortions in the state unless a mother's life is at risk.
Gov. Tony Evers:
“This is an unfathomably grim day for our state and our country. I am heartbroken—for the millions of Wisconsinites and Americans the U.S. Supreme Court has abandoned and for our country and our democratic institutions. This is an absolutely disastrous and unconscionable decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the consequences of which I hoped to never see again in my lifetime."
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester):
“Safeguarding the lives of unborn children shouldn’t be controversial. Today’s decision reaffirms their lives are precious and worthy of protection. I agree with the justices in their opinion when they say, ‘The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.’
Rebecca Kleefisch (R) Candidate for Governor:
“Now the abortion debate goes back to states like Wisconsin, where it always belonged. As a state we must hold firm for the voiceless and protect their right to life — and that means enforcing the laws we have on the books. I remain committed to my 100% pro-life stance.
Tim Michels (R) Candidate for Governor:
My statement on today's decision. pic.twitter.com/cweY1sIBao
— Tim Michels (@michelsforgov) June 24, 2022
Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley (D-Mason):
“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision is heartbreaking, but unfortunately expected. The conservatives on the Supreme Court have overturned 50 years of precedent. For years they complained about judicial activism, well now we know it was nothing but a smokescreen to get to their desired results, results that are opposed by the overwhelming majority of this nation’s citizens. A sad day, and a harbinger of what might be in store in the future. What is next? The right to marry? The right to contraceptives?”
Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine):
“Let’s call this what it is: a brazen, political act that rolls back essential human rights. By striking down a precedent of nearly 50 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has sent our country back to the 1970’s and Wisconsin back to the 1840’s.
Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI):
“Today is a victory for life and for those who have fought for decades to protect the unborn. For almost fifty years the decision of nine unelected Justices have prevented a democratically derived consensus on the profound moral issue of abortion to be formed. This decision will now allow that democratic process to unfold in each state to determine at what point does society have the responsibility to protect life. Hopefully, the debate will be conducted with sincerity, compassion, and respect for the broad range of views that people hold.”
Mandela Barnes (D) Candidate for U.S. Senate:
“Like it does for so many Americans, this decision hits close to home for me. I might not be here today if Roe v. Wade hadn’t allowed my mother to make the best decision for her health and safety.
This decision will punish women and cost people their lives. The American people deserve elected leaders who will go to the mat to protect our basic freedoms and that’s what I intend to do. It’s past time to abolish the filibuster and make Roe the law of the land.”