Wisconsin is one of only four states that still has a law in place criminalizing abortion. Chris Taylor with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin says it's not currently enforceable because of Roe v. Wade, but there are real concerns the US Supreme Court will eventually strike down that decision. If that happens, Taylor says the Wisconsin law would go back into effect.
The bill received a hearing at the Capitol Wednesday, which brought out hundreds of people on both sides of the debate. Susan Armacost with Wisconsin Right to Life says the law should stay in place, because it will be needed to protect unborn children.
Supporters of the bill say women could be prosecuted if the ban stays in place. Armacost says that's not true because of a 1985 law that overrode penalties for women. She says only doctors who perform abortions would face prosecution.
The bill is being considered by the Senate Health Committee.