Judge Rules 1849 Statute Doesn’t Ban Abortion, A Better Wisconsin Together Reacts

MADISON, Wis. – In a positive step toward ensuring every Wisconsinite has safe and legal access to abortion care, a Dane County Circuit Court Judge has ruled that a statute on the books from 1849 does not apply to consensual abortions.

In response, the following are statements from A Better Wisconsin Together Communications Director Lucy Ripp:

“Since Roe v. Wade was struck down last year and Wisconsin Republicans have relentlessly tried to ban abortion through a law written before women had the right to vote, Wisconsinites have made it clear that we want safe and legal abortion access in the Badger State, and that elected officials have no business mandating decisions that ought to be made between a patient and their doctor.

“Judge Schlipper’s ruling that the 1849 statute does not apply to consensual abortions is a necessary step in ensuring every Wisconsinite can safely access abortion care, and that politicians have no place in our exam rooms.”