Republican Leadership in Congress is targeting Planned Parenthood and trying to block patients from getting care in a “defund” bill that passed the U.S House of Representatives and is now awaiting action in the Senate. If they succeed, one-third of Planned Parenthood health centers across the country could close, including in Wisconsin.  

If Republican Congressional Leadership shut down Planned Parenthood health centers, the entire Midwest will suffer. Over 50,000 women, people of color, rural communities, and people with low incomes depend on Planned Parenthood health centers in Wisconsin for care. If Planned Parenthood is “defunded,” Wisconsinites will lose access to birth control, wellness visits, STI tests, and cancer screenings. And people who depend on Wisconsin for abortion will have an even harder time accessing care. 

Madison, Wis. - Today legislators introduced the Abortion Rights Restoration Act, new and historic legislation centered on a patient’s fundamental human rights and the freedom to bodily autonomy in Wisconsin. Having led efforts to restore and protect reproductive freedom in Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) was proud to join in support.

“This bill is about protecting a patient’s ability to decide for herself what kind of reproductive health care she needs,” said Tanya Atkinson, President of PPAWI. “This year, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is celebrating 90 years, and one thing we know at Planned Parenthood is how important it is to organize and commit to long term strategy when it comes to reproductive health advocacy. This historic bill is the next step in protecting and securing full reproductive freedom for people in Wisconsin.”

“Tonight Wisconsin voters made clear their preference for the candidate who agrees with them on reproductive freedom. No matter what we look like or where we come from, most of us value our freedom to decide whether and when we start a family.

"Justice-elect Susan Crawford’s victory demonstrates that a woman’s ability to make her own reproductive health care decisions matters to Wisconsin voters. Time and time again, voters have come together to protect reproductive freedom, and this is a moment to celebrate our collective power.  

"This election was defined by abortion and reproductive freedom. Like most recent statewide elections in Wisconsin, the outcome was determined by the engagement and enthusiasm among pro reproductive freedom voters. That engagement and enthusiasm has been driven by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin year-round civic engagement, policy, and communications work across our state. This programming has influenced voters’ conversations, steps the Wisconsin State Legislature is taking, and the media narrative about reproductive freedom.  

"The election results demonstrate that abortion access and which candidate made clear she supported it was clearly top of mind for voters all across the state." 

Milwaukee, Wis. -  While the loss of the presidential election hits hard, the results of Wisconsin legislative races and the re-election of Senator Tammy Baldwin amplify the fact that Wisconsinites overwhelmingly support access to abortion and reproductive rights.    

Over 80 percent of Americans believe abortion care should be legal, and the decision whether to end a pregnancy is best made between a patient and their doctor because at no point in a pregnancy is a politician more qualified than the woman to make necessary health care decisions.   

“The fight for reproductive freedom does not end here,” said Tanya Atkinson, President, Planned Parenthood Advocates of WI (PPAWI). "Together, we will continue unrelenting efforts to protect and boldly expand reproductive health and rights until reproductive freedom, including abortion access, is a reality for all.” 

“Regardless of the federal election outcomes, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s (PPWI) health center doors remain open, and our advocacy work continues until everyone has access to the care, resources and education they deserve to lead strong, healthy lives,” said Atkinson. 

WISCONSIN – The following statement from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin comes following State Senate Candidate Duey Stroebel’s efforts to backtrack on his legislative record that includes threats to IVF and birth control.

Tanya Atkinson, President of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin issued the following statement:

“The stakes for reproductive rights in Wisconsin and across the country could not be higher. Every day stories of the harm people have suffered because of abortion bans and other policies that threaten our freedoms are prompting politicians to backpedal from their records. Duey Stroebel’s legislative record opposing women’s access to reproductive health and freedom is clear. In the Senate, Stroebel voted to criminalize abortion in all cases including rape and incest and authored a fetal “Personhood” amendment that would grant embryos the same rights as people—threatening IVF services and birth control. Earlier this year Alabama suspended IVF because of these laws that are opposed by the medical community.

In La Crosse Senate District 32, Brad Pfaff has earned the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin because he has worked to protect reproductive health. Pfaff believes health care decisions are personal and should be left to a woman and her doctor. He is the only candidate who supports the repeal of Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion law.

Today Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin released its final round of endorsements for the Spring 2023 election. The endorsed candidates are trusted to utilize their platforms and voices to push for the restoration and protection of reproductive rights for all Wisconsinites.

This bill is not about protecting survivors. Rape and incest exceptions to abortion bans are in no way centered on what survivors need, and do not provide them meaningful access or support

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) is endorsing Judge Janet Protasiewicz for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice. Justices are elected to 10-year terms, and the impact of this election will be felt for years to come. The court could issue rulings on abortion, fair maps, LGBTQ rights, and other vital issues.