Statewide Abortion Referendum Proposed by Republicans

Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) introduced legislation that would make the people of Wisconsin the decision makers on the issue of abortion. This legislation calls for a binding statewide referendum on the ballot for the April 2024 general election.

“Abortion up until birth is the extreme, and allowing abortion well into the second trimester is rare throughout the U.S. and the rest of the civilized world, said Rep. Nedweski. “Wisconsin’s current law is an outlier.”

A recent decision by a Dane County judge in a case brought by Attorney General Josh Kaul ruled that Wisconsin’s 1849 law does not actually apply to abortions. As a result, elective abortions are currently being performed throughout the state under the statute of 20 weeks gestational age. An appeal to the State Supreme Court to overturn this decision is unlikely to be successful with the court’s liberal majority.

“Empowering the people of Wisconsin to affect abortion law directly in a referendum can save many lives by moving the gestational age from 20 to 14 weeks,” said Rep. Nedweski.

This proposed ballot question is responsive to standards that public opinion has deemed normal in many other states. No other aspects of Wisconsin’s existing abortion-related laws are changed with this legislation. There will still be exceptions for the life of the mother after 14 weeks, and all other waiting period and ultrasound requirements remain in place.

Upon approval by the Legislature and further enactment, the question of changing the number of weeks at which an abortion can be performed from 20 to 14 weeks will appear on the April 2024 ballot. This change in the law would only go into effect if approved in the statewide referendum.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.