Friday, April 6, 2012/Wisconsin RTL --
"We are deeply appreciative to Governor Scott Walker for signing three significant pieces of legislation into law that will greatly benefit the people of Wisconsin," said Susan Armacost, Legislative Director for Wisconsin Right to Life. Governor Walker signed the following measures into law:
- SB 306, the Coercive and Web Cam Abortion Prevention Act authored by Senator Mary Lazich and Representative Michelle Litjens. For far too long, numbers of women have reported that they were coerced into having abortions. The new law ensures that an assessment will be made to determine if a woman's consent to an abortion is voluntary.
The bill requires that the abortionist speak to the woman in private to determine if she is being coerced. If she is a potential or actual victim of domestic abuse, the abortionist must give her information on where she can receive help. In addition, women will be further protected by requiring a physical exam and in-person administration of dangerous chemical abortion-inducing drugs like RU 486. This requirement would prohibit webcam abortions which are occurring in Iowa and Minnesota from being introduced into local communities in Wisconsin. Over 2,200 adverse incidents were reported by the FDA since 2000 from use of abortion-inducing drugs, including the deaths of 14 women. RU 486 abortions, administered after a woman has been diagnosed as being pregnant, are different from the morning after pill. Finally, SB 306 repeals penalties to women who obtain abortions.
This repeal removes a conflict in the statues and ensures that once abortions become illegal again in Wisconsin, a woman who obtains an abortion cannot be fined or imprisoned. Wisconsin Right to Life was the lead organization promoting this measure.
- SB 92, Opt-Out of Abortion Subsidies in Obamacare authored by Senator Rich Zipperer and Representative Robin Vos. As reported time and again, the Obamacare law contains provisions which would lead to federal funding of abortions and rationing of health care. The only recourse the federal law gives to the states is a provision allowing a state to opt-out of abortion coverage in the health insurance exchanges set up by the law. Wisconsin has done that by enacting SB 92 into law. The new law gives Wisconsin relief from federal taxpayer dollars going for abortions. Wisconsin Right to Life was the lead organization in promoting this measure.
- SB 237, Strong Communities - Healthy Kids Act authored by Senator Mary Lazich and Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt. The new law restores to local communities the ability to determine the content of their sex education programs. Wisconsin Right to Life strongly supported this measure.
"The entire Wisconsin Right to Life organization extends its heartfelt thanks to the Wisconsin State Legislature and to Governor Walker for bringing these vital measures to fruition." said Armacost. "Wisconsin Right to Life was proud to be the lead organization promoting both SB 306 and SB 92 and in actively supporting SB 237.
