Madison Reporter

Today in Madison, Representative Lisa Subeck and Senator Kelda Roys, both Democrats from Madison, introduced a new legislative bill, LRB-2921, referred to as the Abortion Rights Restoration Act (ARRA). This legislation seeks to establish a statutory right to abortion while repealing several existing restrictions deemed unnecessary by its advocates.

Senator Kelda Roys emphasized, “There is never a circumstance where politicians are in a better position to make reproductive healthcare decisions than an individual and their doctor. Every Wisconsinite deserves the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions, without interference from politicians.”

Representative Lisa Subeck expressed her concerns over political actions affecting abortion access, stating, “Republican politicians and extreme right-wing Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court have unleashed a neverending onslaught of attacks on access to abortion, including the repeal of Roe v. Wade and a proposed federal abortion ban. The Abortion Rights Restoration Act would ensure that every Wisconsinite has the right to determine their own future and make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. Abortion is essential and often life-saving healthcare. It should be available safely, legally, and without judgement because every pregnancy is different and every patient’s circumstances are unique.”

The Abortion Rights Restoration Act targets the removal of several restrictions including:

- The 1849 state abortion law, which restricts anyone other than the mother from intentionally destroying a fetus, remains on record and is viewed as a potential tool for limiting access to care.

- Requirements mandating patients to attend two appointments, wherein a state-mandated booklet with medically inaccurate information must be provided, infringe on informed consent rights.

- The necessity for patients to undergo an ultrasound, deemed medically unnecessary, which increases costs and emotional stress.

- Provider restrictions limiting abortion services to physicians only, excluding qualified Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and APRNs.

- Restrictions on telehealth and medication abortions requiring a physician's physical presence when administering medication, complicating access for those in rural areas.

- Insurance coverage prohibitions for abortion care for public employees and patients covered by health exchange plans in the state, leading to out-of-pocket expenses.

- The admitting privileges requirement has been deemed unconstitutional, as it limited abortion care to physicians with hospital privileges within 30 miles.

The bill's introduction represents a significant legislative stance on reproductive rights within the state.