An OB/GYN supporting the 1849 Wisconsin state ban on abortion

William Lien WDIO

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According to the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, in 2011 97% of OB/GYNs encountered patients seeking abortions. However, during that time, only 14% of OB/GYNs would agree to perform the medical procedure. The 1849 Wisconsin state ban on abortion became active again after Dobbs v. Jackson overturned Roe v. Wade.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin talked about the Wisconsin state abortion law on March 8th. “In 1849, Wisconsin’s one year old legislature banned abortion, making it a felony to provide abortion care in almost all circumstances. At the time of the vote, exactly zero women were present to debate that misguided law, let alone vote for or against it.” Sen. Baldwin said.

Dr. Jim Linn, an OB/GYN and practicing medical doctor for 20 years gave his views supporting the abortion ban. “I think every embryology textbook will tell you that a human being begins its life at conception. Maybe it wasn’t as clear in 1849. But it’s pretty clear now.” Dr. Linn said. “When I went to medical school and took classes on obstetrics. I was told I had two patients when I was when I was taking care of a pregnant woman, and I don’t think that’s changed.”

Whether or not the 1849 abortion ban remains depends on the outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election happening April 4^th. However, there is a very real chance the abortion ban, could be lifted. However, there would need to be a liberal majority on the court. Dr. Linn, and many other like-minded OB/GYNs still support the abortion ban. “I’m a member of the American Association of Pro-Life OB/GYNs, and I would encourage people to look at their website and get the other side of it. There we have thousands of members that don’t support abortion.” Dr. Linn said.

Although there are still medical practitioners against the Wisconsin abortions ban. Dr. Kristen Lyerly, an OB/GYN explained how the law prevented herself and other colleagues from providing reproductive healthcare. “This abortion ban forced me to practice in Minnesota, where I’m currently providing general OB/GYN care. I would much rather be offering here in Wisconsin, where I live.” Dr. Lyerly said. “We are experiencing a desperate shortage of women’s health providers, especially in rural Wisconsin. I truly can’t do my job to the best of my ability here, when my hands are being tied by politicians.”