Exceptions to Wisconsin abortion law suggested by Republican majority in legislature

Republican lawmakers in Madison are proposing changes in the state’s abortion ban, which would allow for some exceptions.  They’re suggesting changes that would permit abortions in cases of incest, rape, and for the mother’s health. 

Democratic state rep Steve Doyle of Onalaska thinks the two parties will stick to their usual positions if the changes come to a vote.

“I would say the chances of it passing are good, because the Republicans seem to be all behind it,” Doyle says, “and then I think that the chances of it getting vetoed by the governor are about a hundred per cent.”

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says the new idea shows that Republicans are “willing to be reasonable.“

Doyle, of the 94th District, expects all the Republican lawmakers to support the idea, and all the Democrats, including himself, to oppose it.  He says that would include Governor Tony Evers.

“He doesn’t want to have an abortion law that says abortion is illegal except for rape, incest, and life of the mother,” Doyle tells WIZM. “He wants it to be basically the Roe vs. Wade version of things, which this proposal does not do.”

Democratic Senator Kelda Roys describes the GOP plan as a “Hail Mary” move, aimed at getting voters to elect conservative Dan Kelly to the state Supreme Court next month.