Wisconsin Democrats introduced new legislation that would establish an unrestricted right to abortion across the state. Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) and Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison), along with healthcare providers and advocates, unveiled LRB-2921, known as the Abortion Rights Restoration Act (ARRA).

The bill would repeal Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban and a number of current state laws regulating abortion procedures, and would create a statutory right allowing abortion at any time during pregnancy, for any reason, without political or legal restrictions.

“There is never a circumstance where politicians are in a better position to make reproductive healthcare decisions than an individual and their doctor,” said Senator Roys during the announcement.

Representative Subeck added, “The Abortion Rights Restoration Act would ensure that every Wisconsinite has the right to determine their own future and make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians.”

The proposed legislation would remove a number of state requirements currently regulating abortion care, including:

• 1849 Abortion Ban: State law prohibiting abortion except to save the mother’s life.
• Mandatory Biased Information and Waiting Periods: Requiring patients to receive state-issued counseling and wait 24 hours between appointments.
• Ultrasound Requirement: Mandating ultrasounds before an abortion, regardless of medical necessity.
• Provider Restrictions: Limiting abortion provision to physicians only, excluding nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
• Telehealth and Medication Abortion Limits: Requiring in-person administration of abortion pills and prohibiting telemedicine.
• Insurance Coverage Bans: Restricting abortion coverage under public employee insurance plans and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans.
• Admitting Privileges Law: Previously requiring abortion providers to have hospital admitting privileges within 30 miles.

If passed, the bill would remove virtually all regulations on abortion procedures in Wisconsin. Opponents of the bill argue it would legalize abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy without limitations. Supporters frame it as restoring reproductive rights that were undermined when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The bill is being circulated for co-sponsorship. Given Republican control of the state legislature, the measure faces steep political hurdles.