Abortion poses a moral dilemma; public discourse nearly always probes
it from a moralistic dimension. There is no denying that abortion contradicts many
of society’s collective moral ideals. Even many of the strongest proponents of
abortion rights have qualms about its ethical implications. Indeed, it is both natural and
valid to recognize the inherent troubling aspects of abortion.

However, a moral analysis must be tempered by the reality that it is not morality so
much as politics that dictates the terms of this controversial practice. With this in
mind, it is critical to understand the way in which the abortion debate has become a
tool for political advancement in the state of Wisconsin, and can be seen in the case, as reported by Weau, of the recent passage of a bill to revise abortion law in the state Senate.

Issues addressed by the abortion law revisions include
voluntary and informed consent to an abortion, information on domestic abuse
services, the administration of abortion-inducing drugs and the repeal of sanctions
for women that obtain abortion services.

All of these are valid issues. However, many of these matters are already addressed
by current legislation. Under current state law, abortion is heavily regulated. In
particular, current law provides many safeguards to ensure that a woman’s decision
to have an abortion is not only well-informed, but also voluntary.

With this in mind, the bill is seemingly a legislative attempt to regulate what is
already regulated. Such a legislative act seems counterintuitive at best, but in
the context of a political agenda it represents a strategic attempt to politicize a
controversial issue in order to perpetuate conservative ideology – an ideology that
has perennially condemned abortion.

Among the strongest opponents to the bill is Planned Parenthood. According to Nicole Safar, the public policy director at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, this bill
represents yet another attempt by the state Legislature to impose political ideology
on women’s health. Indeed, past and present law dictates that abortion is the only
realm of medicine that the state Legislature feels compelled to oversee via the
imposition of paternalistic legislation.

One of the most troubling aspects of this bill is the way in which it attempts to
dictate the terms of the patient-physician relationship. In the field of medicine, this
relationship is traditionally perceived as a bond of trust protected by confidentiality.
This should be no different when the service being provided is abortion.

One particular consequence of the bill that constituents should be concerned
about is the establishment of severe criminal penalties for physicians that fail to
comply with the law – a felony conviction for up to three and a half years in
prison for any violations. Although the possibility of facing a malpractice lawsuit
comes with the territory of practicing medicine, these harsh penalties seem to be directed at deterring physicians from offering any abortion services. This deterrent
strategy undoubtedly brings to light the underlying intent of this bill: to curb the
accessibility of abortion services in Wisconsin.

For women seeking abortions, the right to privacy is paramount. The limitations
imposed on abortion providers by the bill will likely threaten this privacy more
than ever before. In order to accommodate the needs of women seeking abortion as
an option, accessibility is key. According to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, one
out of every three women will receive an abortion before the age of 45. This statistic
is telling in regard to the widespread demand for abortion services.

The bill’s limitations on abortion-inducing drugs and “web-cam” abortions will
certainly be a factor in the extent to which services will be hindered. These options
increase the accessibility of abortion services to women living in areas of the state
in which these services would otherwise not be provided. Considering that Planned
Parenthood only offers abortion services in Madison, Milwaukee and Appleton, this
would account for the majority of women across the state. This bill will likely have a
profound effect on the availability of abortion services in the state of Wisconsin.

Time and time again, women’s health issues are thrust into the political spotlight in
order to make a statement – targeting these issues is thought of as a smart political
move. Far too often this intrusion is endorsed by cohorts of Wisconsin constituents
on the basis that abortion is, by nature, morally controversial. No one is attempting
to deny this reality. However, the critical purpose that abortion serves in society
cannot be overlooked. Women’s health services, including abortion, should be just
as accessible as other medical services.

The passage of the bill to revise abortion law sends the clear
message that the Wisconsin Legislature does not believe this to be true at all. This
bill is yet another in a legacy of legislation targeting and demeaning the rights of
women. This legacy must end. It is time to make comprehensive women’s health a
priority in the state of Wisconsin.

Hannah Sleznikow ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science.