Wisconsin's Top Court Strikes Down 1849 Abortion Ban
Wisconsin's highest court, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, has struck down the state's 1849 abortion ban, a move that has sparked debate and reaction. The decision, made in a 4-3 ruling, has been met with both support and criticism.
The ruling came after a case brought by plaintiffs, including Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The court held that past 50 years of abortion regulation had implicitly repealed the old ban.
The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) was among those critical of the decision. They argued that the court's reasoning contradicted clear legislative intent not to repeal the ban. The WCC described the ruling as 'tragic', stating it abandoned Wisconsin's legacy of protecting all human life.
Abortion rates in the U.S. have seen an increase since the Dobbs decision. In 2024, about 1.14 million abortions were performed, reflecting a trend heavily correlated with poverty and low incomes. Around 75% of women seeking abortion are low-income.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to overturn the 1849 abortion ban has opened a new chapter in the state's abortion landscape. While the ruling has been met with criticism from some, including the WCC, it reflects a broader national trend following the Dobbs decision. The impact on abortion rates and access, particularly for low-income women, remains a significant issue to watch.
