Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Statement on Wisconsin Election Results
For Immediate Release: April 4, 2023
Wisconsin voters decisively elected Judge Janet Protasiewicz to a 10-year term on the state’s supreme court. The historic election saw the highest voter turnout for a state supreme court race in a non-presidential primary year, with reproductive freedom once again motivating many voters to turn out. The critical election sends Judge Protasiewicz to the bench during a moment where everything from abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and democracy itself is on the line and will likely come across the supreme court’s desk.
“By electing Judge Janet Protasiewicz to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Wisconsinites once again affirmed their support for reproductive freedom and proved the enduring political salience of abortion rights," Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said. "Judge Janet Protasiewicz's victory is especially critical as the legality of the state's archaic 1849 criminal abortion, which has forced Wisconsinites to leave the state for abortion care or to remain pregnant against their will, is likely to make its way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Planned Parenthood Action Fund congratulates Judge Protasiewicz and celebrates the reproductive health care champion voters across Wisconsin who made their voices and values heard.”
“The results send a clear message: Wisconsinites are committed to reproductive freedom and upholding our state’s proud tradition of civic engagement, even in the face of politicized attempts to undermine their right to vote,” Steven Webb II, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, said. “We congratulate Judge Protasiewicz on her victory tonight and look forward to the balance and integrity she will bring to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. … This election cycle, PPAWI staff and volunteers engaged deeply with young voters, particularly on college campuses, educating voters on the issues and how to participate in our democracy. We want to thank our team and those that made their voice heard on Election Day.”