Madison Reporter

More than 15,000 Wisconsin residents have signed a petition urging state lawmakers to take legislative action to protect access to contraception. The signatures were presented to Republican leaders in the State Legislature by Democratic legislators and advocates. They are pushing for the Right to Contraception Act to be scheduled for a vote before the end of the current legislative session this spring.

Senator Dianne Hesselbein emphasized the urgency of protecting reproductive freedoms amid national developments. “With the continued onslaught of attacks on reproductive freedoms throughout the nation, including the Alabama Supreme Court’s shocking ruling on frozen embryos, we must take action to protect contraception access and people’s medical freedom. There is no time for complacency,” she stated.

Representative Lisa Subeck highlighted concerns about privacy rights following recent judicial decisions. “If the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe vs. Wade has shown us anything, it is that the fundamental right to privacy we have come to expect as Americans is not guaranteed in the face of extremist legislators and activist judges who put their political agenda ahead of our reproductive freedom. Contraception is safe, essential healthcare, and access to contraceptive products and services is central to the ability to fully participate in economic and social life," she remarked.

Advocate Megan Lowe underscored that this issue transcends politics, stressing its personal impact on individuals' lives. “This is not just a political issue; it’s a personal one. The overwhelming public support for contraception reflects the importance of this fight. I urge everyone, especially our legislators, to recognize the urgency of this moment and support the Wisconsin Right to Contraception Act,” she said.