© 2024 Milwaukee Public Media is a service of UW-Milwaukee's College of Letters & Science
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Senate Committee Advances New Abortion Rules for Wisconsin

The rules would would ban abortions in Wisconsin after 20 weeks. If a medical emergency arises later, physicians must try to keep the fetus alive. Doctors would face criminal charges for violating the rules and could be sued both the woman and the father.

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services approved the bill on a party line, 3-2 vote Thursday, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats against. The item now moves to the full state Senate.

Dem. Senator Jon Erpenbach offered an amendment that would have required doctors to also take steps to protect the health and safety of the woman, if an abortion is performed post 20 weeks.

Members rejected the amendment on a 3-2 vote. 

Committee Chair, Rep. Senator Leah Vukmir said the committee did not have a chance to view the amendment and she's confident the bill will continue protections for women, as contained in existing state law.