MADISON, WI (WSAU) – As thousands of pro-life voters from all over the country rallied in DC for March for Life on Friday, two Wisconsin Republicans introduced a referendum on Friday afternoon that would end the state’s 175-year-old abortion law.
According to a press release, Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and Representative Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) introduced the proposed referendum, which would allow for abortions state-wide up until 14 weeks post-fertilization.
Senator Felzkowski spoke about the referendum, which would need to be signed by Gov. Tony Evers, saying, “Over the last year, we’ve taken the time to speak to our constituents, hear their perspectives, and understand the weight of this particular issue. This approach allows them additional approval of this compromise.”
“Out of an abundance of respect for how sensitive this issue is, we would like to hear directly from the voters whether they agree that this is what they want the law to be—striking a balance between protecting life and showing compassion and respect for women who find themselves in difficult situations,” she continued.
According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), an infant’s heartbeat can be detected and heard by week 6, will begin kicking and stretching by week 11, and will be able to make facial expressions as well as have their fingerprints and teeth by week 14.
The bill will need to be passed by both houses and then signed into effect by Gov. Evers before appearing on the 2024 spring election ballot.
A spokesman for Evers, Britt Cudaback, directed reporters to remarks he made in December in which he pledged to veto “any bill that makes reproductive health care any less accessible for Wisconsinites than it is right now.”
Should the legislation be signed by Evers and passed by voters, Wisconsin will follow Nebraska, North Carolina, Arizona, and Florida in having laws that forbid abortions performed between weeks 12 and 15.
Comments