Abortion Remains Safe and Legal in Wisconsin and Every State in America

MILWAUKEE – Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Louisiana’s attempt to block abortion access unconstitutional in June Medical Services LLC v. Russo. The Court affirmed its 2016 ruling in Whole Woman’s Health, where it struck down an identical law in Texas as an unconstitutional restriction on the right to access abortion care. In both cases, the Court saw these restrictions for what they are: medically unnecessary restrictions designed solely to block access to care based on political motives. PPWI previously successfully challenged a similar “admitting privileges” law here in Wisconsin.

Statement from Tanya Atkinson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin:

“The U.S. Supreme Court has once again made it clear: abortion is healthcare and laws that burden the right to access care while providing no medical benefit are unconstitutional. The Louisiana law struck down here is identical to the law from Texas blocked by the Court in 2016 in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. A change of personnel on the Court does not change this outcome. This is great news for the people of Louisiana and our patients here. Abortion is safe and legal in Wisconsin.

“We know that too many people still face barriers to accessing abortion care, especially here in Wisconsin. PPWI is currently challenging three harmful, medically unnecessary, abortion restrictions in federal court. We are also calling on the State Legislature to pass the Abortion Access Protection Act and repeal our state’s outdated criminal abortion ban from 1849 that outlaws women’s access to all abortion. This law is unenforceable under Roe v. Wade and should be repealed immediately. We must also protect every patient’s right to be treated with dignity and receive accurate medical information by passing common sense legislation like the Respect Women Act.

“Today’s ruling is great news for our patients, but our work is not done. While we celebrate today, the fight for reproductive freedom for all is far from over. We will be there fighting every step of the way, until access to basic health care is both a right, and available to everyone — regardless of their race, income, location, or gender identity.

“Abortion is still safe and legal in Wisconsin and every state in America. PPWI is proud to offer safe, high quality and confidential abortion care at three health centers located in Milwaukee, Madison and Sheboygan (Medication Abortion or pill abortion services only at the Sheboygan location). To make an appointment for abortion services or family planning healthcare, call 1-800-230-7526 or visit ppwi.org.”

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.