Safe, legal, and rare. These three descriptors of abortion became popular during the 1990’s. Yet now, the mantra has dropped to safe and legal. In fact, public opinion around abortion has radically shifted. Once, the general public considered abortion an undesirable but sometimes necessary procedure—a deviation from the norm. Today, celebrities and social media influencers portray abortion as a celebration of women’s rights and freedoms. As rare has dropped from the picture and radical abortion extremists push to legalize abortion in every situation, we can only wonder if safe will soon drop from the mantra as well. A recent bill introduced in Wisconsin illustrates the radical left’s insatiable desire for unlimited legal abortion—even at the cost of safety.
The Abortion Rights Restoration Act in Wisconsin
Last month, Wisconsin Democrats introduced a bill seeking to establish a statutory right to abortion. The Abortion Rights Restoration Act (LRB-2921) establishes unrestrained avenues to abortion in Wisconsin. In a loud statement about their priorities, all but one of the Democrats in the Wisconsin Legislature support the ARRA. While this bill won’t see the light of day under the Republican-controlled legislature, the Democrats are sending a clear message about what they will do if they gain control of the legislature.
Sponsors of the bill describe abortion as “essential healthcare.” Nothing could be further from the truth! Ending the life of an innocent human being is neither essential nor healthcare. While these abortion activists clamor tirelessly for the rights and freedoms of women, they consistently fail to consider the rights and freedoms of the thousands of unborn women who are cruelly murdered without the right to choose if they will experience life.
Yet, despite all the talk about women’s healthcare, the ARRA puts the health of women at risk. The bill removes several safety measures designed to protect women. Even worse, the bill perpetrates the lie that abortion liberates women.
The Top 10 Changes the ARRA Seeks to Make:
- Allow telehealth abortions – Currently, Wisconsin law requires that women see a doctor in person before having a chemical abortion. A recent study released by the Ethics and Public Policy Center reported that nearly eleven percent of women experience severe adverse side effects like sepsis, hemorrhage, or ER visits following a chemical abortion.[1] Having an in-person exam before undergoing an abortion provides a layer of safety for women. The ARRA ignores safety precautions by removing this requirement.
- Repeal ultrasound requirement before abortion – Right now, Wisconsin law requires women to have an ultrasound before getting an abortion. Having an ultrasound helps to discover any health concerns that could make the abortion dangerous and gives the woman a chance to see her unborn child.
- Repeal counseling requirement before abortion – Currently, Wisconsin law requires that women receive counseling before having an abortion. This counseling includes reading through a booklet that includes descriptions of each stage of fetal development, the medical risks of abortion, and pregnancy-related resources.
- Repeal 24-hour waiting period before abortion – Following the counseling session, women must wait 24 hours before having an abortion. This waiting period gives them a chance to consider the information provided in the counseling session free from pressure.
- Allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice registered nurses to perform abortions instead of just doctors – Right now, Wisconsin law allows only licensed physicians to perform abortions. This restriction provides safety for women. But the ARRA loosens these restrictions by allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice registered nurses to perform abortions as well. Once again, radicals place more importance on the legality of abortion than on safety of those involved.
- Repeal requirement that doctor have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital – Prior to 2015, Wisconsin law required that doctors performing abortions must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the locations where they perform abortions. In 2015, the 7th Circuit Court ruled this requirement unenforceable.
- Repeal Statute 940.04 – Right now, statute 940.04, also known as the criminal abortion ban, bans abortion except when deemed necessary to save the life of the mother. The ARRA repeals this statute. (Currently, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is deliberating on a case concerning this statute.)
- Creates a right to abortion – Beyond simply legalizing abortion, the ARRA establishes a statutory right to killing innocent human life. The ARRA bans all restrictions on abortion except in the case of “legitimate” health reasons and creates a cause of action to sue the state if it implements an abortion restriction.
- Allows state insurance and Obamacare coverage of abortion –The ARRA allows government-funded abortions by mandating insurance companies cover abortions which makes abortions a tax-payer funded benefit.
- Waters down the definition of abortion in law – First, the ARRA changes the name of abortion from “abortion” to “induced abortion.” This change infers that a miscarriage is a form of abortion, what could be called a “spontaneous abortion.” This definition change waters down the truth of the horrors of the intentional killing of an innocent life and normalizes the tragedy of miscarriage. Second, the ARRA intentionally deletes the most specific definition of abortion–253.10(2)—in exchange for a less descriptive definition—69.01(13m). Essentially, the ARRA makes the definition of abortion as vague as possible so that as much as possible can fall under the umbrella definition of “induced abortion.”
As we enter a world where abortion is considered a positive, we can expect to watch safety requirements fall to the ground and even more women experience severe side effects. In reality, the abortion industry has never cared about the safety and wellbeing of women.
The Abortion Industry’s Lies
The abortion industry has lied to women on every level. First, the abortion industry has lied to women telling them that they are better off without children and that children will destroy their meaning and purpose in life. Yet, research shows otherwise. The General Social Survey found that the happiest demographic of women is those who are married with children.[2] Second, the abortion industry has lied to women that abortion will free them to live a life without regrets or restraints. Yet, many women experience deep regret following their abortion.
One woman shares, “Even being in my 60s, my abortion remains the single greatest regret of my life, which has caused me immeasurable grief. Some years have been more difficult than others to weather the storm of emotions. For the most part I’ve found peace, however grief and regret lurk always just beneath the surface. Young and unable to recognize the enormity of my decision, I made a cavalier, impulsive choice. How I wish — oh, how I wish — I had been unable to make that choice!”[3] Killing an innocent life is never the right decision. Rather than liberating women to live a fulfilled life, abortion leaves many women will lifelong regret.
Tragically, if the ARRA passes, many more women will experience the grief, guilt, and regret caused by abortion and potential health side effects as well. Even worse, thousands more babies will be killed before birth. As we look to upcoming elections, we must remember that elections have consequences. As you consider candidates in upcoming elections, remember the ARRA and the thousands who will suffer if it is passed.
Psalm 139:13-14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
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