Madison Reporter

Today in Madison, Representative Lisa Subeck introduced the Right to Contraception Act as an amendment during what is anticipated to be the final day of the Assembly's legislative session. The legislation, co-authored by Senator Dianne Hesselbein and Rep. Subeck, aims to establish a statutory right to access birth control.

Following the June 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization, which ended an individual's constitutional right to abortion, there have been concerns about reproductive freedom and access to contraceptives. In response, Assembly Democrats sought to codify the right to contraception in Wisconsin law. However, the proposal was met with unanimous opposition from Assembly Republicans.

Representative Subeck expressed her views on the matter: “Every Wisconsinite deserves access to the comprehensive healthcare they need – this includes access to contraception. The amendment offered today by Assembly Democrats gave the GOP the opportunity to do the right thing and enshrine access to reproductive healthcare in our laws."

She further stated: “When Roe v. Wade was overturned, thousands of Wisconsinites lost a concrete right to make their own healthcare decisions regarding their reproductive health. Subsequent court cases have restored access to abortion in our state – but we know that nothing is guaranteed. Birth control and access to over-the-counter contraception is widely supported by voters – there is simply no reason we should continue to leave this unaddressed."

Subeck emphasized that "contraception is safe, essential healthcare," adding that it plays a crucial role in allowing individuals full participation in economic and social life. She urged for legislative action so that "the people of Wisconsin [can] make their own decisions about their families and their lives."

Rep. Subeck has been representing the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.