Report by Donna Richards
Report by Donna Richards
At the March 2023 FdL County Dems meeting we heard from two professionals, a Doctor and a Communications professional dealing with reproductive rights on the front line in Wisconsin every day.
Some women have gone to Illinois, Michigan or Minnesota to obtain abortions including medication abortions. Faced with the additional burdens and stress of out-of-state travel, many women who want abortions do not get them.
If you or someone you know needs help with a problem pregnancy or unwanted pregnancy or birth control or any other issue, please do call Planned Parenthood. They will provide counseling and assistance in any way they can, including those who wish to continue the pregnancy, and including help with transportation for those who need it for reproductive care including abortion and medication abortion, and arranging for appointments.
Wisconsin is in a quandary with issues such as, “Can I legally get an abortion if I live in Wisconsin?” What we learned Thursday night from these medical professionals from Planned Parenthood is what I wish to outline here, as best as I can.
First, no abortions are being performed in Wisconsin, even though our governor and AG said they would not pursue legal action against reproductive health providers.
Second, NO WOMEN is Wisconsin can be held legally liable for reproductive care including abortion in any way. The medical professionals are the only ones who possible prison for providing abortion care, including medication abortion.
Third, responsible couples and women wishing not to become pregnant should double down on when they might need the Plan B morning after pill if their birth control is forgotten or fails. This means the morning after intercourse, way before you miss a period or ovulate! Plan B is available over the counter at pharmacies, Plan B is emergency contraception you take within 72 hours after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better it works.It helps prevent pregnancy before it starts. No ID, no Rx required to purchase. Won’t hurt your chances of getting pregnant in the future. Be vigilant.
Fourth, our ob/gyn reproductive health professionals are heading out of state to work in clinics, to alleviate the extra pressure coming from Wisconsin, and of course helping with transportation,appointments, etc., for those desiring this care, including getting the medical abortion pills, at least for now. (This medication abortion is the one now in jeopardy.)
Fifth, You cannot get in legal trouble when you return to Wisconsin following an out-of-state abortion or medication administration. (One cannot get the abortion medication in Wisconsin.) Again, Plan B is available locally or on-line, which is a form of emergency birth control to be taken right away or within 72 hours of intercourse. Talk to your pharmacist about this, or you can order it on-line or get in a drive-through.
Hope this helps! Please inform others who need to know more. Thanks to Planned Parenthood for their dedication and expertise. They also warned us that these legal battles may create more uncertainty, with changes going back and forth during this chaotic period, as courts rule and get stays on rulings. While the end of Roe v. Wade was supposed to return these decisions to the States, it may only get worse State by State.