Following is a statement from Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning on the Assembly passage of legislation that bans abortion after 20 weeks.
“In the wake of passing a damaging budget that will hurt Wisconsinites all over the state, Assembly Republicans today rubberstamped one of the most sweeping and intrusive attacks on women’s healthcare in Wisconsin history.
“Against the advice of the medical community, Assembly Republicans have sent to Scott Walker a piece of extreme legislation that radically restricts a woman’s ability to make her own personal healthcare decisions — even in times of tragedy — in consultation with her family, her faith, and under her doctor’s advisement.
“The decision to terminate a pregnancy after 20 weeks is deeply personal; these are heart-breaking situations where the health of the mother is at risk or where the baby has no chance of survival.
“What makes this devastating attack on women’s health even worse is that it’s clearly timed to coincide with Scott Walker’s presidential campaign announcement. As a mother whose children are my greatest gifts in life, I think it is appalling that Republicans are interfering in our most private medical decisions for political gain. It is an absolute tragedy for women that a group of politicians has decided our health and safety must take a backseat to Scott Walker’s political career.”
