State of Wisconsin Archives: on Abortion


Alex Lasry: Ensure access to abortion and reproductive care

Like the majority of Wisconsinites, I believe that every person should have autonomy over their reproductive health. In the U.S. Senate, I will fight to ensure that everyone has access to inclusive, high-quality, and affordable healthcare, and that includes abortion and reproductive care. Abortion remains safe and legal in Wisconsin, and I will work at the federal level to make sure that our laws protect these essential rights, regardless of who is sitting on the Supreme Court.

I will also defend against the continued efforts to limit funding for Planned Parenthood and other reproductive healthcare facilities that provide affordable care to people across the country. I am extremely proud of my wife, Lauren, for her work at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to ensure that access to health care--from birth control and cancer screenings, to safe, legal abortion--is protected for individuals and families across Wisconsin

Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website AlexLasry.com Nov 16, 2019

Bob Harlow: Support a woman's right to control her body

Harlow posted on Twitter: "Sadly, @JudgeBradleyWI, who opposes a woman's right to control her body & called our LGBT brothers and sisters 'immoral' is now on the WI SC."

OnTheissues note: Judge Rebecca Bradley had written in 1992 in the Marquette Tribune that supporters of abortion on demand (such as newly elected president Bill Clinton) were murderers. That and other decades-old anti-choice and anti-gay statements were a major issue in Bradley's 2016 judgeship race, which Bradley won.

Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial race Dec 31, 2017

Chris Larson: Court overturning Roe was a kick in the gut

[On Supreme Court overturning Row v. Wade]: "It's a kick in the gut for sure," said State Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee). "Things can't carry on the way that they are. We can't have an 1849 law on the book for god sakes," said Larson.
Source: Wisconsin Examiner on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race Jun 17, 2022

Chris Larson: Voted No on abortion ban after 20 weeks

SB179: An Act requiring a determination of probable postfertilization age of an unborn child before abortion, prohibiting abortion of an unborn child considered capable of experiencing pain, informed consent, abortion reporting, and providing a criminal penalty.

Analysis by Politico.com (7/20/15)Abortion after 20 weeks is now illegal in Wisconsin--with no exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that's when fetuses begin to feel pain.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 19-14-0 on Jun/9/15; State Sen. Chris Larson voted NO; Passed Assembly 61-34-2 on Jul/8/15; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jul/20/15

Source: Politico.com on 2022 Wisconsin SB179 voting records Jul 8, 2015

Glenn Grothman: Sanctity of life from conception until natural death

Senator Glenn Grothman believes in the sanctity and dignity of life from conception until natural death. He has authored and passed numerous, important pro-life bills throughout his time in the state legislature and has steadfastly supported many more.

Glenn will continue to protect the sanctity of life at the national level and fight to win back the ground that has been lost at the hands of the federal government controlled by pro-abortion forces.

Source: 2014 Wisconsin House campaign website, GlennGrothman.com May 31, 2014

Glenn Grothman: Co-sponsored state Personhood Amendment

Q: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death?

GROTHMAN: Strongly Agree

Q: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances?

GROTHMAN: I am the only Wisconsin State Senator to author and co-sponsor the Personhood Amendment to our state's constitution.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Wisconsin House race Sep 30, 2014

John Schiess: Parental notification before performing abortions on minors

Source: Wisconsin Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

John Schiess: No state funding of embryonic nor adult stem cell research

Q: Do you support state funding of stem cell research?

A: No.

Q: Do you support state funding of embryonic stem cell research?

A: No.

Source: Wisconsin Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

Kathleen Vinehout: Respect woman's right to make her own decision on abortion

We can do better in making sure all women and babies are safe and healthy. We know that more than half of the unplanned pregnancies result from the few women who can't easily access women's health services. As Governor, I will expand pre-natal care, childcare, and support services for mothers with young children. Having a baby or an abortion is an intensely personal decision. Such a decision is private and emotional. We must respect her choice.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial website KathleenVinehout.org Feb 22, 2018

Kelda Helen Roys: Strongly support abortion as an unrestricted right

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Strongly Support--Every woman has the right to safe and legal abortion services, family planning services, and reproductive health care.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate May 5, 2018

Kelda Helen Roys: AdWatch: 1849 anti-abortion law is still on the books

With the first television ad in her campaign for governor, released July 19, 2018, Democrat Kelda Roys contends that "abortion is still a crime in Wisconsin."

Since the Supreme Court in Roe vs. Wade recognized a woman's constitutional right to an abortion in 1973, abortion has been legal. That includes Wisconsin. So, it's highly misleading to call abortion a crime in Wisconsin. And yet, Roys has a point.

In the ad, Roys says: "In Wisconsin, abortion is still a crime. And I can't believe that I'm having to fight the same fights that my grandmother fought."

Roys cited a Wisconsin law from 1849 which is still on the books. If Roe were overturned, regulating abortion would revert to the states, and the Wisconsin statute would again be in effect--although there are questions about whether it would be used immediately.

In sum, Roys' claim contains an element of truth, but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. That's our definition of Mostly False

Source: PolitiFact.com AdWatch on 2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial race Jul 25, 2018

Leah Vukmir: 100% pro-life

I am 100% pro-life and believe that life needs to be defended at every stage. I am proud to have the support of Wisconsin Right to Life and Pro Life Wisconsin.
Source: 2014 Wisconsin State Senate campaign website LeahVukmir.com Nov 1, 2014

Leah Vukmir: No exceptions, including rape, incest, or mother's life

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Tammy Baldwin (D): Legal. Consistent support for making it the woman's choice.

Leah Vukmir (R): Ban "in all cases," with no exceptions, including rape, incest, or mother's life.

Q: Give Planned Parenthood public funds for non-abortion care?

Tammy Baldwin (D): Yes. Planned Parenthood provides "essential care & preventive services."

Leah Vukmir (R): No public funding for Planned Parenthood.

Q: Contraception: Let employers withhold coverage if disagree with it morally?

Tammy Baldwin (D): No. Considers critical to women's health.

Leah Vukmir (R): Yes. Prohibit mandatory contraceptive coverage.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Leah Vukmir: Ban abortion except for life of mother after 20 weeks

SB179: An Act requiring a determination of probable postfertilization age of an unborn child before abortion, prohibiting abortion of an unborn child considered capable of experiencing pain, informed consent, abortion reporting, and providing a criminal penalty.

Analysis by Politico.com (7/20/15)Abortion after 20 weeks is now illegal in Wisconsin--with no exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that's when fetuses begin to feel pain.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-14-0 on Jun/9/15; State Sen. Leah Vukmir voted YES; Passed Assembly 61-34-2 on Jul/8/15; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jul/20/15.

Source: Politico.com on 2022 Wisconsin SB179 voting records Jun 9, 2015

Mandela Barnes: Voted No on abortion ban after 20 weeks

SB179: An Act requiring a determination of probable postfertilization age of an unborn child before abortion, prohibiting abortion of an unborn child considered capable of experiencing pain, informed consent, abortion reporting, and providing a criminal penalty.

Analysis by Politico.com (7/20/15)Abortion after 20 weeks is now illegal in Wisconsin--with no exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that's when fetuses begin to feel pain.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-14-0 on Jun/9/15; Passed Assembly 61-34-2 on Jul/8/15; Rep. Barnes voted NO; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jul/20/15

Source: Politico.com on 2022 Wisconsin SB179 voting records Jul 8, 2015

Mandela Barnes: Would vote to codify Roe v. Wade to restore abortion rights

Barnes supports term limits for Supreme Court justices and ending the Senate filibuster. Barnes also said he would vote to codify Roe v. Wade to restore abortion rights in the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race Jul 11, 2022

Mark Neumann: God-given rights begin at conception

Question 15. Do you believe that our natural God-given rights embodied in the Constitution begin at conception and continue until death?

Mark Neumann: Yes

Tommy Thompson: Yes

Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire Aug 13, 2012

Mike Gallagher: Moral and civic duty to defend the right to life

Right to Life: I will defend the right to life, as I believe we have a moral and civic duty to protect those who are voiceless and defenseless, especially unborn children.
Source: 2016 Wisconsin House campaign website MikeForWisconsin.com Nov 8, 2016

Phil Anderson: A fetus is an alive, individual human being

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Oppose. A fetus is an alive, individual human being.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate May 18, 2018

Rebecca Kleefisch: Appoint an advocate for Women's Health and the Unborn

Source: 2022 Wisconsin Gov. campaign website RebeccaForGovernor.com Apr 3, 2022

Ron Johnson: Roe v Wade decision was a tragedy

Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?

Feingold: No

Johnson: Yes. Believes Roe v Wade "was a tragedy."[1]

Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?

Feingold: Likely no, implied from positions on women's access to health care.

Johnson: Yes

Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Feingold: Yes

Johnson: No

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Wisconsin Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Ron Johnson: Only allow abortion for rape, incest, and maternal life

Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

Johnson: Abortions should be allowed in the case if rape and incest, or when the life of the mother is endangered

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Wisconsin Senate race Nov 8, 2016

Russell Feingold: Supports public funding for Planned Parenthood

Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?

Feingold: No

Johnson: Yes. Believes Roe v Wade "was a tragedy."[1]

Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?

Feingold: Likely no, implied from positions on women's access to health care.

Johnson: Yes

Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Feingold: Yes

Johnson: No

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Wisconsin Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Sarah Godlewski: Endorsed by EMILY's List for pro-choice women

Our campaign has already been endorsed by EMILY's List, the leading group working to elect pro-choice Democratic women. Since their founding, they have helped elect 26 women to the U.S. Senate, including Wisconsin's very own Senator Tammy Baldwin.

"Our Mission" from emilyslist.org:EMILY's List's vision is to be a driving force of change in America. By electing more Democratic pro-choice women to national, state and local office, EMILY's List will consistently infuse our government with leaders who will drive change. Change that truly matters today, tomorrow and forever. We will work for larger leadership roles for Democratic pro-choice women in our legislative bodies and executive seats so that our families can benefit from the open-minded, productive contributions that women have consistently made in office.

Source: EMILY's List 2022 endorsements on SarahForWisconsin.com Jan 10, 2022

Scott Fitzgerald: Ban abortion except for life of mother after 20 weeks

SB179: An Act requiring a determination of probable postfertilization age of an unborn child before abortion, prohibiting abortion of an unborn child considered capable of experiencing pain, informed consent, abortion reporting, and providing a criminal penalty.

Analysis by Politico.com (7/20/15)Abortion after 20 weeks is now illegal in Wisconsin--with no exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that's when fetuses begin to feel pain.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-14-0 on Jun/9/15; State Sen. Fitzgerald voted YES; Passed Assembly 61-34-2 on Jul/8/15; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jul/20/15.

Source: Politico.com on 2022 Wisconsin SB179 voting records Jun 9, 2015

Scott Fitzgerald: Tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed

AB180: Relating to: informed consent regarding abortion-inducing drugs.

Summary by Rewire News Group:AB 180 would require certain information regarding induced abortions, and an abortion-inducing drug regimen to be provided to a pregnant person seeking a medication abortion. The bill would require physicians to inform their patients that it might be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion.

Veto Message: I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the political interference between patients and their healthcare providers, especially this bill's requirement that physicians inform their patients of a medical alternative that is not evidence-based. Politicians should not require medical providers to inform patients of inaccurate and misleading information.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 62-35-2 on May/15/19; Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Jun/5/19; State Sen. Fitzgerald voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on Jun/21/19.

Source: Rewire News: Wisconsin State Legislature voting record AB180 Jun 5, 2019

Scott Walker: Ban abortion at 20 weeks; require ultrasound; close clinics

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Tony Evers (D): Legal. Supports lifting restrictions on abortions. "Government shouldn't be making personal health decisions for women."

Scott Walker (R): Ban. "I've always been pro-life." Signed ban after with it morally?

Evers: No stand found.

Walker: Yes. Stopped enforcement of state's contraceptive coverage requirement for insurance companies.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Scott Walker: Ban abortion except for life of mother after 20 weeks

SB179: An Act requiring a determination of probable postfertilization age of an unborn child before abortion, prohibiting abortion of an unborn child considered capable of experiencing pain, informed consent, abortion reporting, and providing a criminal penalty.

Analysis by Politico.com (7/20/15)Abortion after 20 weeks is now illegal in Wisconsin--with no exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that's when fetuses begin to feel pain.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-14-0 on Jun/9/15; Passed Assembly 61-34-2 on Jul/8/15; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jul/20/15

Source: Politico.com on 2022 Wisconsin SB179 voting records Jul 20, 2015

Tammy Baldwin: Planned Parenthood provides essential services

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Tammy Baldwin (D): Legal. Consistent support for making it the woman's choice.

Leah Vukmir (R): Ban "in all cases," with no exceptions, including rape, incest, or mother's life.

Q: Give Planned Parenthood public funds for non-abortion care?

Tammy Baldwin (D): Yes. Planned Parenthood provides "essential care & preventive services."

Leah Vukmir (R): No public funding for Planned Parenthood.

Q: Contraception: Let employers withhold coverage if disagree with it morally?

Tammy Baldwin (D): No. Considers critical to women's health.

Leah Vukmir (R): Yes. Prohibit mandatory contraceptive coverage.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Tim Michels: Life must always be protected

Tim Michels on the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson: "It is important that we continue to compassionately work on winning hearts and minds. We need to build a world that is safer for all, a world where better education is provided, and an economy that allows for all to prosper. Life must always be protected. We should not demonize those who don't believe that, but rather redouble our efforts to show how they can provide a high quality of life for their children."
Source: 2022 Wisconsin campaign press release MichelsForGovernor.com Jun 24, 2022

Tim Michels: Would ban abortion with no except for rape or incest

Tim Michels wants to criminalize abortion, even in cases of rape or incest: Michels said the 1849 ban on abortion that doesn't include exceptions for rape or incest is "an exact mirror" of his position. He has said it was "not unreasonable" for the government to force rape victims to give birth. And the ban he supports could even lead to doctors being jailed for trying to save a patient's life.
Source: WisPolitics press release on 2022 Wisconsin Governor race Jul 19, 2022

Timothy Ramthun: Co-sponsored fetal heartbeat anti-abortion bill

A Texas-style abortion bill proposed for Wisconsin has received a lot of attention and appeared to be on the fast track. Proposed laws prohibiting abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected have surfaced in Wisconsin and other states ahead of a key U.S. Supreme Court decision on a Mississippi law that could end or weaken the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. State Rep. Timothy Ramthun is a co-sponsor of the proposal.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio on 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race Feb 21, 2022

Timothy Ramthun: Protect all life that begins at conception, no exceptions

[On abortion legislation]: "Representative Ramthun is a supporter of pro-life legislation that protects all life that begins at conception," states the email from Tristan Johannes, research assistant for Ramthun. "He believes there are no exceptions to this, and regardless the circumstance, the life of a child should never be punished for the actions of the parents. The bills voted on did not reflect this."
Source: The Journal Times on 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race Oct 29, 2021

Timothy Ramthun: Tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed

AB180: Relating to: informed consent regarding abortion-inducing drugs.

Summary by Rewire News Group:AB 180 would require certain information regarding induced abortions, and an abortion-inducing drug regimen to be provided to a pregnant person seeking a medication abortion. The bill would require physicians to inform their patients that it might be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion.

Veto Message: I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the political interference between patients and their healthcare providers, especially this bill's requirement that physicians inform their patients of a medical alternative that is not evidence-based. Politicians should not require medical providers to inform patients of inaccurate and misleading information.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 62-35-2 on May/15/19; State Rep. Ramthun voted YES; Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Jun/5/19; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on Jun/21/19.

Source: Rewire News: Wisconsin State Legislature voting record AB180 May 15, 2019

Tom Tiffany: No taxpayer dollars should fund abortions

As the dad of three daughters, Tom has seen the miracle of life firsthand. He is proud to be pro-life and to support President Trump as he works to protect the unborn. A proven fighter for life, Tom has defunded Planned Parenthood at the state level and will work in Congress, so no taxpayers' dollars go to support abortions.
Source: 2019-2020 WI-7 House campaign website Tiffany4Wisconsin.com May 8, 2020

Tom Tiffany: Ban abortion except for life of mother after 20 weeks

SB179: An Act requiring a determination of probable postfertilization age of an unborn child before abortion, prohibiting abortion of an unborn child considered capable of experiencing pain, informed consent, abortion reporting, and providing a criminal penalty.

Analysis by Politico.com (7/20/15)Abortion after 20 weeks is now illegal in Wisconsin--with no exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that's when fetuses begin to feel pain.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-14-0 on Jun/9/15; State Sen. Tom Tiffany voted YES; Passed Assembly 61-34-2 on Jul/8/15; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jul/20/15.

Source: Politico.com on 2022 Wisconsin SB179 voting records Jun 9, 2015

Tom Tiffany: Tell patients that medication abortions can be reversed

AB180: Relating to: informed consent regarding abortion-inducing drugs.

Summary by Rewire News Group:AB 180 would require certain information regarding induced abortions, and an abortion-inducing drug regimen to be provided to a pregnant person seeking a medication abortion. The bill would require physicians to inform their patients that it might be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion.

Veto Message: I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the political interference between patients and their healthcare providers, especially this bill's requirement that physicians inform their patients of a medical alternative that is not evidence-based. Politicians should not require medical providers to inform patients of inaccurate and misleading information.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 62-35-2 on 5/15/19; Passed Senate 19-13-1 on 6/5/19; Sen. Tiffany co-sponsored and voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Evers on 6/21/19.

Source: Rewire News: Wisconsin State Legislature voting record AB180 Jun 5, 2019

Tommy Thompson: Ban partial birth abortions

Source: Wisconsin Governor's web site, "Health Care" Dec 25, 2000

Tommy Thompson: God-given rights begin at conception

Question 15. Do you believe that our natural God-given rights embodied in the Constitution begin at conception and continue until death?

Mark Neumann: Yes

Tommy Thompson: Yes

Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire Aug 13, 2012

Tony Evers: Government out of women's personal health decisions

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Tony Evers (D): Legal. Supports lifting restrictions on abortions. "Government shouldn't be making personal health decisions for women & we shouldn't be treating physicians like criminals."

Scott Walker (R): Ban. "I've always been pro-life." Signed ban after 20 weeks with no exceptions for rape or incest. Required pre-abortion ultrasound.

Q: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?

Evers: No stand found.

Walker: Yes. Stopped enforcement of state's contraceptive coverage requirement for insurance companies.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Evers: Yes. Reverse Walker's decision

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Tony Evers: Veto requiring false information given to abortion patients

AB180: Relating to: informed consent regarding abortion-inducing drugs.

Summary by Rewire News Group:AB 180 would require certain information regarding induced abortions, and an abortion-inducing drug regimen to be provided to a pregnant person seeking a medication abortion. The bill would require physicians to inform their patients that it might be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion.

Veto Message: I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the political interference between patients and their healthcare providers, especially this bill's requirement that physicians inform their patients of a medical alternative that is not evidence-based. Politicians should not require medical providers to inform patients of inaccurate and misleading information.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 62-35-2 on May/15/19; Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Jun/5/19; Vetoed by Governor Tony Evers on Jun/21/19.

Source: Rewire News: Wisconsin State Legislature voting record AB180 Jun 21, 2019

Tim Michels: No criminalizing abortion with checks at the border

Michels sought to moderate his position on abortion, which until recently was to oppose the procedure in any situation, by suggesting he would not block women from crossing the state border to seek abortions. "I'm a reasonable guy. And people say to me I have a lot of common sense. So, you know, that's something that I wanted to sit down and work out but you know, I'm not going to be this radical guy with checks at the border," Michels said in response to a question about whether he favored criminalizing the mailing of medication that trigger abortions, or would block women from crossing state lines to get abortions.
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on 2022 Wisconsin Governor race Oct 14, 2022

Tony Evers: Challenge 1849 law: overturn state abortion ban

Republican Tim Michels said, "I will never arrest a doctor, as they're saying. I'm a reasonable guy." Under Wisconsin's abortion ban, doctors who perform abortions can be found guilty of a class H felony, punishable by up to six years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Tony Evers' campaign spokesman accused Michels of trying to hide his true support for "locking up doctors who provide abortions," noting his longtime support for banning abortions. The Democratic Attorney General filed a lawsuit, supported by Evers, seeking to overturn the state's ban. Evers and his allies have been spending tens of millions of dollars on television advertising to hammer Michels on his previous support for the 1849 law, which he called the "exact mirror" of his position. Evers is challenging the law in court and has twice called special sessions of the Legislature seeking to repeal the ban and create a way to put the question before voters. Republicans rejected both proposals.

Source: Associated Press on 2022 Wisconsin Governor race Oct 17, 2022

Tony Evers: I will veto any bill that takes away reproductive freedom

I want to speak directly to women in Wisconsin tonight: I will veto any bill that takes away your reproductive freedom or makes reproductive healthcare any less accessible in Wisconsin than it is today. Period. Every Wisconsinite should be able to access the healthcare they need when they need it. And, yes, that includes contraception.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature Jan 23, 2024

Eric Hovde: Voters can respect life while safeguarding individual rights

On abortion, Hovde said in a statement, "It is clear after the Dobbs decision that the people of Wisconsin are the ones who should decide this issue... I believe the voters of Wisconsin can come together and find a common sense and compassionate solution that respects life while also safeguarding individual rights."
Source: TK on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race Feb 28, 2024

Eric Hovde: Supported overturning Roe v. Wade

Abortion: Ban or legal?

Eric Hovde (R): Mostly ban. In 2012 "totally opposed" legalized abortion. Supported overturning Roe v. Wade. Now supports a statewide referendum on abortion ban after 3 months. "That's more than enough reasonable time for a woman to make a choice." (The Wisconsin constitution bars referendums.)

Tammy Baldwin (D): Legal. "I am pro-choice.... Women should decide." Sponsored the 2023 Women's Health Protection Act to ensure national access to abortion; would ban state restrictions earlier in pregnancy--and later if the mother's health is at risk.

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race Sep 9, 2024

Eric Hovde: Unconscionable to terminate healthy baby born alive

Hovde: Look, it's been brought back to our state. We as a state should resolve this in a common and compassionate approach. I believe in the beauty of life. I agree with exceptions for rape, incest, and the health of the mother. I think women should have a right to decide early on in their pregnancy. Senator Baldwin, you have passed or pushed to allow abortion to happen up to the point of delivery. where a healthy baby can be born alive and be terminated. To me, that is unconscionable.

Baldwin: A woman's right and freedoms should not depend upon her zip code. We have services accessible in 3 out of our 72 counties. That means 69 counties, there's no access. Harrowing things are happening to women in this state. I've talked to women who face the risk of sepsis and near death before they can get the services that they needed. That's why I'm so proud to lead the Women's Health Protection Act which would restore it nationwide. My opponent has said that he is 100% opposed to abortion rights.

Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate Oct 18, 2024

Eric Hovde: Woman's right to choose but only in first trimester

Abortion policy should be decided via state referendum, says Hovde. "I believe we Wisconsinites need to resolve this issue with a commonsense and compassionate approach to a woman that is in that tough spot. How do we do that? I think we do it through a referendum," Hovde said, noting that he has two daughters and three grandchildren.

Hovde said he wants to see "less abortions," but has "always agreed with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother."

"And, I agree that early on in a woman's pregnancy, she should have a right to choose," he said. "But there comes a point where a baby can be born healthy and alive that it's unconscionable ... thinking of terminating that child's life."

He declined to say how many weeks that should be, but pointed to countries that ban abortion "somewhere in the first trimester... or in the very beginning of the second trimester." He also pushed back on the idea that a national abortion ban could be enacted.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race Aug 15, 2024

Tammy Baldwin: A woman's rights shouldn't depend on her zip code or state

Baldwin: A woman's right and freedoms should not depend upon her zip code or state. We have services accessible in 3 out of our 72 counties. That means 69 counties, there's no access. Harrowing things are happening to women in this state. I've talked to women who face the risk of sepsis and near death before they can get the services that they needed. That's why I'm so proud to lead the Women's Health Protection Act which would restore it nationwide. My opponent has said that he is 100% opposed to abortion rights.

Hovde: We as a state should resolve this in a common and compassionate approach. I believe in the beauty of life. I agree with exceptions for rape, incest, and the health of the mother. I think women should have a right to decide early on in their pregnancy. Senator Baldwin, you have passed or pushed to allow abortion to happen up to the point of delivery. where a healthy baby can be born alive and be terminated. To me, that is unconscionable.

Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate Oct 18, 2024

Tony Evers: Fought like hell to restore access to safe, legal abortion

I fought like hell to restore access to safe, legal abortion in Wisconsin. And on the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I tell you tonight that I will fight like hell against every effort and veto any bill that makes access to abortion, birth control, infertility treatments, or any other part of reproductive care, any less accessible in Wisconsin than it is today. That's a promise.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature Jan 21, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Wisconsin Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026