Wis. Governor Signs 'Texas-Style' Abortion Bill; Providers File Lawsuit
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed an abortion regulation bill into law that if enacted would be similar to the controversial measure being debated in Texas.
Senate Bill 206, also called "Sonya's Law," would among other things require an ultrasound before an abortion and cut down the number of abortion-providing facilities in the state.
Walker signed SB 206 into law on Friday and was almost immediately sued by Wisconsin abortion providers questioning its constitutionality. Susan Armacost, legislative director for Wisconsin Right to Life, told The Christian Post that they "greatly appreciate Governor Walker's support for Wisconsin's new law."
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"He understands that women need full information prior to making the life and death decision regarding whether to abort a child or give birth to that child," said Armacost.
"In addition, this legislation will protect women who suffer complications after an abortion by requiring that the individual who performed the abortion have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital."
Armacost also told CP that "Wisconsin Right to Life was the lead organization promoting Sonya's Law" through various means including "using social media, mobilizing the public behind the bill, extensive lobbying and educating public officials as to the need for the legislation."
According to Governor Walker's official website, Wisconsin's SB 206 passed the state Senate in a vote of 17 yeas to 15 nays and the Assembly in a vote of 56 yeas to 39 nays.
After Walker signed the bill into law, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit against the state in federal court in Madison.
According to The Associated Press, U.S. District Judge William Conley set the date for arguments for Wednesday, July 17.
Although, the law took effect on Monday, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are seeking to have a temporary restraining order to block implementation of the law as the suit is being argued.
Teri Huyck, chief executive officer and president of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, said in a statement that the new law harms women's health.
"When women don't have access to safe, legal abortions, there are health consequences and women die," said Huyck.
Regarding the lawsuit and the fate of SB 206, Armacost told CP that she believed "that Sonya's Law will be upheld as constitutional."
Wisconsin is one of many states who in recent months have seen debates flare over new laws focused on the regulation of abortion access.
In North Carolina, state senators passed new restrictions on abortion earlier this month while Kansas has been sued for its newly passed and implemented legislation.
And in Texas, a much publicized debate over new rules for abortion providers is taking place during a second special session of the Legislature.
