Three Years Without Roe: The Fight for Reproductive Health Continuesby Maryanne O’Dowd June marked three years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping away federal protections for abortion access and triggering a wave of restrictive laws across the country. In Wisconsin, that decision created confusion, fear, and real barriers. Just days ago, the Supreme Court ruled that Planned Parenthood cannot sue South Carolina over funding cuts, setting the stage for other states to deny funding to the country’s largest provider of reproductive health services. If that path is pursued here, it could mean cutting off critical health care services for tens of thousands of Wisconsinites. This isn’t just about abortion—it’s about cancer screenings, STI testing, birth control, and basic preventive care. The impact would be especially devastating for women in rural areas like ours, where options are already limited. In this challenging time for reproductive rights, a WI bill offers the promise of easier access to birth control. Bipartisan Assembly Bill 43, written and co-sponsored by Rep. Joel Kitchens, would let Wisconsin pharmacists prescribe birth control without a doctor’s prescription, improving access and reducing unplanned pregnancies. It passed the Assembly in May with broad support but could face hurdles in the Senate, where it (SB 42) is currently available for scheduling. The League of Women Voters advocates for policies that ensure affordable, quality health care, including birth control and abortion services, and opposes restrictions that limit access to these services. Here are some steps you can take now to help keep reproductive health care accessible and affordable: Share your story. Many people still don’t realize what’s at stake. Use your voice - in one-to-one conversations and through your social media platforms - to spread the word and help others understand the real impact of defunding Planned Parenthood and restricting access to reproductive health services. Call our US Senators. Tell them why Planned Parenthood matters to you and demand they protect access to care. Contact our State Senator. Let our state senator know that you support Senate Bill 42 and would like it brought before the full Senate for debate and a potential vote. Phone Bank. Join one of Planned Parenthood's weekly phone banks to help rally support. Sign up here.
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