Providing for an advisory referendum on the question of repealing Wisconsin's 1849 abortion law and restoring the constitutional rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade.
If the referendum is approved and the 1849 law is repealed, it would significantly alter the landscape of abortion rights in Wisconsin, potentially allowing for more liberal regulations and access in alignment with the precedents set by Roe v. Wade. Currently, the 1849 law imposes strict limitations that have drawn criticism and raised concerns about public health and women's rights. By restoring the constitutional protections that were guaranteed under Roe v. Wade, the state could enhance reproductive rights for its citizens.
Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR10) proposes an advisory referendum to be held in April 2024, where Wisconsin voters will be asked if they support repealing the state's 1849 abortion law and restoring the constitutional rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade. This resolution is a direct response to recent developments surrounding reproductive rights and reflects an ongoing debate in Wisconsin over the legality and accessibility of abortion services.
There are notable points of contention surrounding SJR10. Supporters argue that this bill is essential for affirming women's reproductive rights and responding to the needs of the populace in light of recent national trends towards restricting abortion access. Conversely, opponents may view the resolution as unnecessary or politically motivated, asserting that the existing law reflects the values and concerns of certain constituents. This division is likely to manifest in public opinion leading up to the referendum.
This resolution, introduced by a coalition of both Senate and Assembly members, indicates bipartisan support, although it likely reflects a more Democratic-leaning agenda given the historical context surrounding abortion rights in the state. The outcome of the referendum would not only influence future legislative actions on reproductive health but might also affect the political landscape in Wisconsin as election cycles approach.