On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, dismantling the constitutional protections for abortion that have existed for nearly 50 years, allowing politicians to force women and other people who can become pregnant into second-class status.
In this time of uncertainty, it is essential to stay updated about your reproductive rights. This information is NOT intended as legal advice.
No, not unless it is necessary to save your life. A law that originated in 1849 makes it a felony for anyone, other than the mother,* to perform an abortion, unless necessary to save the life of the mother. Because of this law, the vast majority of people cannot access abortion in Wisconsin.
*In general we use the term “pregnant person,” recognizing that not all pregnant people identify as a mother or a woman. When we use the term “mother,” we do so to reflect the language in the law.
Yes. Abortion is legal in our neighboring states of Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. Contact Planned Parenthood or National Network of Abortion Funds to schedule an out-of-state appointment.
No. Wisconsin has a near total ban on abortions – one of the most severe abortion bans in the country.
Yes. Attorney General Josh Kaul has filed a lawsuit challenging this ban, and that lawsuit is ongoing. Until a court strikes down the abortion ban, however, no doctors or clinics will provide abortion, unless necessary to save the life of the pregant person.
This is a tricky question and there is not a clear answer. There are many conditions that can threaten the life of the pregnant person, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a preterm premature rupture of the membrane (PPROM), and providers must now determine exactly when they can intervene. Before taking action, providers will likely want to consult with an attorney in those cases.
No. Wisconsin has outlawed telehealth abortion services, which means you cannot receive abortion pills by mail to a Wisconsin address.
Yes. The morning-after pill, also known as Plan B, is legal, as are all forms of contraceptive. If you have trouble accessing Plan B or contraception, please contact our office for legal assistance.
Yes, probably. This is another tricky question without a clear answer. Wisconsin’s criminal abortion ban makes it a felony to provide an abortion, not to receive one, so helping someone obtain an abortion likely does not violate the law. However, the answer may depend on the facts of each individual circumstance.
Wisconsin’s criminal abortion ban applies only to intentional abortion, not miscarriage. If you have a miscarriage, you should receive all necessary medical care from your provider. If you are struggling to receive the necessary care, you may contact our office for legal assistance.
