PRESS RELEASE: State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski statement in support of Governor Evers’s special session to repeal the criminal abortion ban in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. — In response to Governor Tony Evers’s announcement today that he will be calling a special session of the legislature to overturn the total abortion ban from 1849, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski released the following statement:

“I applaud the Governor for calling our legislature back to work to take action and repeal the criminal abortion ban from 1849 that is still on the books in Wisconsin. This pre-civil war ban would be revived as soon as Roe v. Wade falls, ban abortions even in the case of rape or incest, and sentence doctors with felonies. With the uncertain fate of Roe, it’s important now more than ever to overturn this statute that will impact women’s health.

“As Wisconsin’s State Treasurer, I know that reproductive freedom isn’t just a healthcare issue, it’s a critical economic security issue too. Studies show that when women aren’t allowed to make their own health care decisions and are turned away from an abortion, they can face setbacks in employment, end up living in poverty at higher rates, and have higher amounts of debt. Not only are there individual impacts for people who are faced with unintended pregnancies, but there will be consequences for the business community as they seek to recruit and retain workers. Research has shown that employers in states with abortion restrictions often face higher rates of turnover and absenteeism, and face challenges in attracting employees.

“The majority of Wisconsinites don’t want Roe to be overturned, it’s time for the legislature to act to ensure that the will of the people is the law of the land. I hope that legislative leaders don’t choose to ignore the voices of the Wisconsinites, and instead vote to protect health, safety, and economic security by repealing this archaic statute.”