Right to contraception rejected by Wisconsin Assembly Republicans

Listen to this article

Wisconsin State Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) introduced ‘the Right to Contraception Act’ as an amendment during what is expected to be the final day the Assembly convenes this legislative session on Thursday. Senator Dianne Hesselbein and Rep. Subeck authored the measure, which would have created a statutory right to access birth control.

According to Subeck, since the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, ending an individual’s constitutional right to abortion, reproductive freedom and access to contraceptives have been jeopardized. In response to ongoing attempts to limit access to contraception in Wisconsin and states across the nation, Assembly Democrats Thursday attempted to codify the right to access contraception in Wisconsin.

“Unfortunately, every single Assembly Republican voted against moving this proposal forward,” Subeck said.

“Every Wisconsinite deserves access to the comprehensive healthcare they need – this includes access to contraception. The amendment offered today by Assembly Democrats gave the GOP the opportunity to do the right thing and enshrine access to reproductive healthcare in our laws,” Subeck noted.

“When Roe v. Wade was overturned, thousands of Wisconsinites lost a concrete right to make their own healthcare decisions regarding their reproductive health. Subsequent court cases have restored access to abortion in our state – but we know that nothing is guaranteed. Birth control and access to over the counter contraception is widely supported by voters – there is simply no reason we should continue to leave this unaddressed,” Subeck said.

“Contraception is safe, essential healthcare, and access to contraceptive products and services is central to the ability to fully participate in economic and social life. It is past time that the legislature allows the people of Wisconsin to make their own decisions about their families and their lives,” Subeck added.

Subeck has represented the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.