Location
Why Vote? Reproductive and Civil Rights
A League of Women Voters of Dane County Public Issues Forum
How does the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade affect Wisconsin residents? The forum will address the economic, medical, and legal impacts.
Join us in person, or via Zoom. LWV Dane County forums are free and open to the public but registration is required to participate via Zoom.
The League of Women Voters believes that all people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on a timeline of their choosing, and in a community and an environment they trust and feel safe in. Join us for a forum on what the recent U. S. Supreme Court decision of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization means for the future of reproductive rights and healthcare for people in Wisconsin. Panelists will discuss the current legal situation, its effects on the physical, mental, economic, and social health of people in the state, what the future might hold, and how you can get involved.
On June 24, 2022, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not a constitutional right. The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the precedents of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey. Following the decision, abortion is currently illegal in Wisconsin based on an 1849 law. This law does not provide exceptions for rape or incest. It does include an exception to save the life of the mother, though the parameters of that exception are unclear. Risks are greater for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous women, who have a higher rate of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality.
Wisconsin residents who seek an abortion need to travel to a state where abortion is legal, such as Illinois or Minnesota. However, providers in neighboring states are concerned about their ability to serve an influx of out-of-state residents. The need to travel to other states is a special burden for people from low-income or marginalized groups, who need to find transportation, take time off of work, and often arrange for child care.
The Dobbs ruling has had ripple effects beyond abortion as well. Other reproductive healthcare is also at risk. The foundation of the Dobbs decision has also caused concern that other Supreme Court decisions could be overturned in the future, including the right to contraception and same-sex marriage.
OUR SPEAKERS
- Cynthia Lin, Vice President at Women's Medical Fund (WMF) Wisconsin and Deputy Director of Movement Building at the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF)
- Katrina Morrison, Director of Policy, Advocacy & Outreach at The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
- Nicole Safar, Executive Director of Law Forward
- Amy Williamson, Associate Director of the UW Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (UW CORE)
- MODERATOR: Joy Cardin, League member and former Wisconsin Public Radio host
Audience questions and thoughts will be welcome in person and on Zoom.
