The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin OPPOSES the upcoming passage of Senate Bill 553 in the Assembly which already passed in the Senate on November 18, 2025.
This bill proposes changes in the definition of abortion by specifying certain medical procedures that would not be classified as an abortion. While this bill gives the impression of removing the possible stigma of certain abortion procedures; the bill, in fact, will constrain the care provided by physicians. Since there are many medical procedures that are not named in the bill, this will restrict physicians from providing the time-sensitive, lifesaving care a pregnant patient might need. Since abortion is currently legal up to 20 weeks, this bill seems to signal future action by the Wisconsin Legislature to pursue a total ban on abortion or further restrictions on current law.
We are asking voters to call their legislators today to urge their Assembly Representatives vote to OPPOSE SB 553. The LWVUS has held the position of the individual’s right to privacy in making reproductive health decisions, inclusive of abortion, since 1983. This bill attempts to dictate the care a physician can provide and potentially interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. Find your legislators
You can use the following script in order to contact the Representatives for your district. Phone calls are more effective, but emails are a valid option as well:
"My name is (your full name) and I live at (full address). I would like to first thank the authors and cosponsors of SB 553 for recognizing abortion as reproductive healthcare. But I'm urging (your Representative's name) to OPPOSE the bill for the following reasons:
- This bill is not needed since abortions are legal in Wisconsin up to 20 weeks and thus abortions are already performed for the “life or health of the mother.”
- This bill potentially interferes with the patient-physician relationship.
- This bill does not address the multitude of pregnancy complications or procedures that could affect the life of a pregnant patient, therefore, it could lead to serious consequences, such as removal of the patient’s uterus, sepsis and even death.
- This bill does not remove the “stigma” associated with abortion and may enhance it by attempting to redefine “acceptable” healthcare for pregnancy complications.
Thank you.”
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