WASHINGTON D.C. (WTAQ-WLUK) – There is new legislation that would provide women with taxpayer-funded help, if needed, to travel to get an abortion.
Women in Wisconsin who want an abortion have been traveling to other states since Roe v Wade was overturned in June, as the legal battle continues over the state’s 1849 law that bans almost all abortions.
Abortions are currently legally allowed in the neighboring states of Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois.
August research from UW’s School of Medicine and Public Health shows people in 42 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties have increased distances to travel to get an abortion. The average increase is 82 miles.
The newly introduced legislation from Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin would provide money to organizations that provide financial help to women needing to travel to get an abortion.
“Right now in states across the country, Americans are unable to make their own health care decisions,” said Baldwin in a statement. “Women in states like Wisconsin are being forced to travel out of state just to see a doctor for critical health care, including abortion. And for too many, the cost of travel, child care, overnight housing, and time away from work puts safe, comprehensive reproductive care totally out of reach. By reducing the costs of travel for people seeking reproductive care, more Americans will be able to make the health care decisions that are best for their family, health, and future.”
Alicia Hurtado with Chicago Abortion Fund tells FOX 11 there is a great need.
“In a post-Roe world, we’re seeing people needing to travel further and further for abortion care.”
Last year, the Chicago Abortion Fund financially helped 83 people in Wisconsin get abortions, pitching in a total of less than $1,000.
From July to November of last year, the organization didn’t help anyone from Wisconsin travel to Illinois for an abortion, which makes sense because abortion was legal here. However, in that period this year, Chicago Abortion Fund has helped 311 Wisconsinites travel to Illinois for an abortion, at a cost of more than $27,000.
“Just getting people to their appointment, not even on their appointment alone,” said Hurtado.
Things like travel, lodging, meals and childcare — all things Baldwin’s legislation would help pay for. Chicago Abortion Fund primarily pays for those things now with grassroots support.
The idea of taxpayer money helping out doesn’t sit well with everyone, like Gracie Skogman with Wisconsin Right to Life.
“Absolutely not. Instead, our taxpayer funding should go to pregnancy resource centers where women are receiving comprehensive support for themselves and their pre-born children. We would encourage those women to seek assistance here at the life affirming pregnancy resource centers. They can walk alongside these women through a challenging or unexpected pregnancy and really provide the support that they need.”
Hurtado says an abortion in Illinois costs between $500 and $6,000. That is for the procedure itself and not the other expenses for someone who has to travel.
“It adds up and it’s expensive, and at the end of the day abortion care is healthcare and people should have access to their healthcare in their communities, but as that is not a reality… we need to mitigate the crisis in the now, and I think this piece of legislation is doing exactly that.”
The legislation is for a four-year program and $350 million annually.
