June 10, 2022

Wisconsin Gov. Calls Special Session to Repeal State Abortion Ban

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D)
On Wednesday, June 8, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evans (D) signed an executive order calling a special legislative session to attempt to repeal the state's 1849 abortion ban. This comes as many expect the Supreme Court to override Roe v. Wade in its upcoming Dobbs v. Jackson decision. This would send the issue of abortion back to the states; allowing them to enforce laws like Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban.

The special session is set to take place at noon on June 22. In a statement, Gov. Evers said, A decision by Supreme Court to overturn Roe and decades of well-established precedent could have disastrous consequences for folks in every corner of our country.”

Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R), in his own statement, said, “Killing innocent babies is not healthcare. We will gavel out of another blatantly political special session.” Republicans hold majorities in both of Wisconsin's legislative bodies.

“We are disappointed but not surprised by Governor Evers’ disregard for the lives of preborn children in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Right to Life’s legislative director, Gracie Skogman. “We urge our state legislators to protect Statute 940.04. Wisconsin Right to Life will continue to advocate for the right to life for all, to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to be born and live in a state that defends life.”

Much like Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D), Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has stated that he will not enforce his state's abortion ban if Roe v. Wade is overturned.