Protecting Abortion Access in Wisconsin and the North Central States
The Supreme Court has taken away our constitutional right to abortion. This ruling takes away the freedom to control our bodies and personal health care decisions, giving it to politicians to decide. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is under attack, as House Republicans voted to “defund” Planned Parenthood in their budget bill. There has never been a more critical time to act to protect patient care.
National Attacks and Legal Challenges
On December 1, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This will be the first direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the decision that established the constitutional right to have an abortion, since Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation. Furthermore, three months ago, Texas enacted Senate Bill 8, an egregious attempt to essentially eliminate access to safe, legal abortion in Texas and pave the way for other states and municipalities to do the same.
Attacks on abortion access disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), those with low incomes, and those living in rural areas. People with means will always be able to overcome unnecessary barriers to access abortion, but all people should have access to the health care they need. No matter what happens at the Supreme Court, Planned Parenthood is committed to finding new ways to ensure everyone in our region has access to the sexual and reproductive care they need.
Regional Legal Status Overview
Because the right to abortion is constitutionally protected in Minnesota under the 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court Gomez decision, other states in our region will turn to Minnesota for abortion care if Roe v. Wade is overturned. The following table summarizes the legal landscape in neighboring states based on current legislative trends:
| State | Current Legal Status and Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | Constitutionally protected under the 1995 Gomez decision. |
| North Dakota | Has "trigger laws" which would immediately outlaw abortion if Roe is overturned. |
| South Dakota | Has "trigger laws" which would immediately outlaw abortion if Roe is overturned. |
| Iowa | Likely to ban abortion if Roe falls. |
| Nebraska | Will try to ban abortion, though supportive senators may block it. |
The Fight in Wisconsin
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin is prepared to fight to ensure that every person in Wisconsin continues to have access to safe legal abortion. Passing our Restore, Protect, and Expand Agenda is the most important step our elected officials can take to protect access to abortion in Wisconsin. We must stay on top of breaking news in the world of reproductive health and rights, including how you can fight back against attacks.
Medical Advocacy for Reproductive Freedom
All health care decisions—including whether or not to have an abortion—are deeply personal and should be made between a patient and their doctor. That's why 13 medical organizations representing tens of thousands of medical professionals signed onto an open letter in support of reproductive freedom for all. Protecting and expanding abortion access is more important than ever to ensure everyone in our region has access to the abortion care they need, no matter what happens at the courts.
How to Take Action Today
We need to march, mobilize, text, call, and do everything we can to show support for reproductive health and rights in Wisconsin. We know the majority of people support the right to safe, legal abortion—but a vocal minority is leading the charge against abortion, contraception, and comprehensive sex ed. Don't wait. Join the fight to protect access to Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin today!
- Volunteer: Fill out the volunteer interest form or find volunteer opportunities around the state.
- Share Your Story: Sharing stories is an important way to show that access to abortion is a critical need - no matter what.
- Engage Your Community: Follow our conversational approach guide to have values-based conversations with friends and family. Stand in your power and destigmatize the word abortion.
- Donate: Give now to help protect and provide care — no matter what.
- Stay Informed: Join Planned Parenthood supporters across the state for events and actions near you and follow us on social media for educational posts.