Critical updates on abortion access in Dane County

In light of Friday’s Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe vs. Wade, abortion access in Dane County is currently suspended. Wisconsin had an abortion ban in place pre-Roe (from 1849!) and its applicability at present is uncertain. So, too, is the future of abortion access in our county.

I need an abortion. What do I do?

Planned Parenthood Wisconsin has a breakdown of resources and next steps. An excerpt:

If you live in Wisconsin and need an abortion, it's important to contact your local Planned Parenthood first. We will work with you to get abortion care in a state where it remains legal. We can also help connect you to additional financial assistance. 

If you live in Wisconsin and cannot find an available appointment in Wisconsin and need assistance finding an appointment or other financial support email abnav@ppwi.org or call 414-289-3002.

You can also access abortion pills online through AidAccess and obtain additional support through Women’s Medical Fund and Midwest Action Coalition.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, and Madison Chief of Police Shon Barnes have all indicated that they will not pursue legal action against those seeking abortion or aiding others in doing so.

My own statement

I object to the Supreme Court’s decision in the strongest terms possible, and I will continue to use my platform to fight for a future in which you have the right to choose.

Your decision to get an abortion is, quite frankly, nobody’s business but your own. It is your call to make, and you are entitled to privacy and liberty in these matters. It is deeply unjust that it is now harder for you to make this choice.

That is why, for example, I co-sponsored 2022-RES-024; signed an open letter to Wisconsin DAs, police chiefs, and other officials to demand they not pursue cases against abortion providers and those seeking abortion; have served as an abortion clinic escort; and will continue to support local, state, and federal officeholders and candidates who have committed to legislative action that codifies legal abortion services.

I promised that I would fight for your access to safe, legal abortion, and I will not back down.