Abortion

Roger Roth on Abortion

Abortion, Generally

Roth Opposed Abortion And Claimed To Be “Pro-Life” 

Roth Said He Was “Pro-Life” And That “Life Must Be Protected From Conception To Natural Death.” According to Roth for Congress, “Pro-Life Life must be protected from conception to natural death.” [Roth For Congress via Wayback Machine, 2010]

Roth Said He Lived Being Pro-Life Every Day. According to Roth for Wisconsin, “As the proud father of five, Roger and his family don’t just say they are pro-life, they live it every day. Roger Roth firmly believes that all babies deserve a chance at life.  Despite radical moves from liberals to push partial-birth abortion, abortion on demand, or murdering a child based on their sex, Roger has stood to thwart the left’s ruthless ambition to end the life of thousands of future Wisconsinites.   As part of his commitment to life, Roger authored the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act to guarantee that abortion survivors have a shot at life and those who would murder them face the full force of law.” [Roth For Wisconsin via Wayback Machine, 2022]

Roth Was “In Favor Of Placing Restrictions On Abortion Access.” According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Roth supported calls to break up the Milwaukee public school district, has advocated for eliminating the state income tax, signaled an openness to legalizing recreational marijuana, and is in favor of placing restrictions on abortion access.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/22/22]

Roe v. Wade

Roth Praised The Overturn Of Roe v. Wade

Roth Said Overturning Roe V. Wade Was A “Tremendous Victory.” According to Fox6, “The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, June 24 ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years in a decision by its conservative majority to overturn Roe v. Wade.  What happens next is now up to the state. That means an 1849 law is what stands, but exactly how it will be enforced is uncertain. The landmark decision has drawn both ire and praise. FOX6 News spoke to Democratic and Republican state lawmakers about what's next. ‘This is a tremendous victory for the pro-life movement here in Wisconsin,’ said State Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton).” [Fox6, 6/4/22]

• Roth: “This Decision To Reverse Roe And Casey And Return The Issue Of Abortion To The States Is Exactly How Our Founding Fathers Envisioned These Questions To Be Handled. Today We Celebrate The Thousands Of Babies That Will Be Saved Because The State’s Existing Statute Is Once Again The Law Of The Land.” According to Fox6, “State Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton): ‘Since the time of our state’s founding, Wisconsin has been a pro-life state. This decision to reverse Roe and Casey and return the issue of abortion to the states is exactly how our founding fathers envisioned these questions to be handled. Today we celebrate the thousands of babies that will be saved because the state’s existing statute is once again the law of the land. The Pro-Life movement must redouble our efforts, to help pregnant mothers in crisis with the services they need. We must streamline the state’s adoption laws to make adopting a child a smoother, less stressful, and faster process. We must ensure that crisis pregnancy centers have the tools and resources they need to counsel pregnant mothers in need. This is most certainly a victory for the most vulnerable, but our work to protect life must not end here.’” [Fox6, 6/4/22]

After Roe Was Overturned, Roth Said He Supported Wisconsin’s Abortion Law

[VIDEO] Roth Said He Supported Wisconsin’s Abortion “Law As It’s Currently Written” And He Did Not “Think There Needs To Be Changes To It.” “[15:32] I support the law as it’s currently written. I don’t think there needs to be changes to it. I will tell you this, that Senator Testin is right. This is an attack coming from the left. Democrats and Joe Biden recognize they are losing the election in 2022 and they’re grasping at straws at anything and they’re trying to raise fear amongst people in Wisconsin. And I just want to point that out that we will always stand for life and we will always do everything within our power to make sure that we can win that argument, work with mothers, make sure that they get the care and the treatment that they need.” [Spectrum News Lieutenant Governor Forum, 7/20/22]

• Wisconsin Reverted To An 1849 Abortion Law That Banned Abortions Exception When The Mother Would Die Without It. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Wisconsin reverted back to an 1849 abortion law The state quickly shifted to a law that was previously in place from the 1800s after Roe v. Wade was overturned, sparking uproar from pro-choice advocates and praise in the pro-life circles. The law bans doctors from performing abortions except when the mother would die without having the procedure. Doctors could face a felony crime of up to six years in prison if they give a woman an abortion. The current ruling has forced medical professionals to delay decisions about health care in high-risk pregnancies because of the uncertainty and fear over legal consequences, the Journal Sentinel has learned.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/31/23]

Texas Style Abortion Ban

2022: Roth Co-Sponsored Texas-Style Abortion Law That Barred Abortion After SIx Weeks And Let ANyone Sue An Abortion Provider

2022: Roth Co-Sponsored Fetal Legislation That Would Ban Abortions After About Six Weeks. On February 1, 2022, Roth co-sponsored Senate Bill 923, which would, according to the Associated Press, “prohibit abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.” [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 923; Associated Press, 2/8/22] 

• Legislation Would Prohibit Anyone From Performing Or Attempting To Perform An Abortion If A Fetal Heartbeat Is Present Unless The Pregnant Woman’s Life Is In Danger Or She Could Suffer Irreversible Physical Problems From The Pregnancy. According to the Associated Press, “Wisconsin Republicans pushed ahead Tuesday with a Texas-style abortion ban, holding a hearing on legislation that would prohibit abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. The bill would prohibit anyone from performing or attempting to perform an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is present unless the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or she could suffer irreversible physical problems from the pregnancy. If a provider detects a heartbeat the pregnant woman would be required to listen to it.” [Associated Press, 2/8/22]
• A Physician Accused Of Performing An Abortion After A Heartbeat Was Detected Would Be Subject To Investigation By The State Medical Examining Board For Unprofessional Conduct. According to the Associated Press, “Fetal heartbeats are typically detectable after about six weeks of pregnancy. A physician accused of performing an abortion after a heartbeat is detected would be subject to investigation by the state Medical Examining Board for unprofessional conduct.” [Associated Press, 2/8/22]
• Legislation Would Allow Anyone To Sue An Abortion Provider Who Violates The Prohibition, Regardless Of Whether They Have A Stake In The Abortion; Anyone Who Prevailed In Such A Lawsuit Would Win At Least $10,000 For Every Abortion Performed. According to the Associated Press, “The bill would allow anyone to sue an abortion provider who violates the prohibition, regardless of whether they have a stake in the abortion. Anyone who prevails in such a lawsuit would win at least $10,000 for every abortion performed. The legislation largely mirrors a Texas law passed last year that allows anyone to sue providers who perform abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected regardless of their standing. The Texas law guarantees victors in such lawsuits at least $10,000 in damages.” [Associated Press, 2/8/22]
• Legislation Did Not Make Exceptions For Rape Or Incest. According to the Wisconsin Examiner, “Two Republican Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a bill that mirrors the Texas ban on most abortions, complete with a $10,000 bounty ‘reward’ for any citizen who sues someone providing an abortion. The bill makes no exception for victims of rape or incest.” [Wisconsin Examiner, 1/27/22]

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Roth Called For Fully Funding Crisis Pregnancy Centers

[VIDEO] Roth Said He Was “100% Pro-Life” And Called To “Fully Fund Crisis Pregnancy Centers.” “[12:32] I’m 100% pro-life, endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life. I don’t think you’re going to see this state move in the direction that you described in your question. In fact, I think you’re going to see the Legislature and the next governor move to make sure that we fully fund crisis pregnancy centers throughout our state. There are over 90 of them. These are centers where women in crisis pregnancies can go to get counseling, to get treatment, to get referrals. And I think that’s important that we step in at this time and support them, along with going and streamlining adoption laws. These are things we can do to help the pro-life movement in our state.” [Spectrum News Lieutenant Governor Forum, 7/20/22]

[VIDEO] Roth Called For Wisconsin To Partner With Crisis Pregnancy Centers Through Grants. “[24:59] There are over 90 crisis pregnancy centers in Wisconsin. And these centers provide counseling to mothers in needs. They provide medical services. They provide referrals. And I do believe there is an opportunity for the Wisconsin to partner with them with grants to make sure that these women in these crisis situations, that they have some place to go, that they have somewhere they can go and receive help. As well as streamlining the adoption processes. And I know I mentioned this before, but it’s very important. We have a very complex structure in our state, a lot of bureaucratic red tape. We can streamline that and make it easier for both the mother and the new family.” [Spectrum News Lieutenant Governor Forum, 7/20/22]

Roth Called For “Fully Funding Crisis Pregnancy Centers.” According to PBS Wisconsin, “Roth: The Supreme Court has weighed in and now in Wisconsin we have a law here that we’ve had for quite some time. Tim Michaels and myself, we support life. We support all life. What we’re going to do right now is make sure that we are fully funding crisis pregnancy centers around our state. There were just over 6,000 women in the last year who made the tragic decision, the difficult decision, to abort a child. And those circumstances aren’t going to change. But what we can do is to make sure that they have access to counseling, that they have access to referrals, that they have access to health care through some 90 crisis pregnancy centers that exist right now in our state. You can expect us to stand up and step up and make sure that we’re supporting these mothers in their time of need.” [PBS Wisconsin, 8/23/22]

Abortion Medication

2019 – 2021: Roth Twice voted To Require Doctors To Inform Women They Could Continue Their Pregnancy After Taking The First Dose Of Mifepristone

2019: Roth Co-Sponsored And Voted For Legislation To Require Doctors To Inform Women That They Could Continue Their Pregnancy If They Act Quickly After Taking The First Dose Of Mifepristone. On June 5, 2019, Roth voted fort Assembly Bill 180, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “require doctors to inform women that they could continue their pregnancy if they act quickly after taking the first dose of a two-drug regimen that causes abortion.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 62-35 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-13 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 180; 2019 Senate Vote 34, 6/5/19;  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/18/19]

• Legislation Would Require Doctors To Inform Women That They Could Continue Their Pregnancy If They Act Quickly After Taking The First Dose Of A Two-Drug Regimen That Causes Abortion. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Another measure, Assembly Bill 180, would require doctors to inform women that they could continue their pregnancy if they act quickly after taking the first dose of a two-drug regimen that causes abortion. That bill would also require the state to make public the names of hospitals and clinics where abortions had been provided. The fight over the abortion legislation comes four months after Planned Parenthood sued the state over laws that bar nurses from providing abortions and limit access to medication that causes abortions.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/18/19]
• Legislation Would Have Also Required The State To Publicly Identify Every Healthcare Center That Has Provided An Abortion. According to the Badger Herald, “The bill would have also required the state to publicly identify every healthcare center that has provided an abortion. Evers, when he vetoed the bill, said the disclaimer was not necessarily true, as it is not scientifically proven and such comments interfere with the patient-physician relationship.” [Badger Herald, 9/23/21]

2021: Roth Voted To Require Doctors To Notify Women Choosing A Medication-Induced Abortion That The Process Could Be Reversed. On October 20, 2021, Roth voted for Senate Bill 591, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “require doctors to notify women choosing a medication-induced abortion that the process could be reversed.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 20-11 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 55-39 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 591; 2021 Senate Vote 138, 10/20/21; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/20/21]

• Claim That A Medicine-Induced Abortion Could Be Reversed Was Been Criticized By The American College Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists And American Medical Association As Not Based In Science And Potentially Threatening To The Patient’s Life. According to the Associated Press, “A fifth bill would require doctors to tell any woman seeking a medication-induced abortion that she could still change her mind after ingesting the first dose and could still continue the pregnancy. The claim that a medicine-induced abortion can be reversed has been criticized by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American Medical Association as not based in science and potentially threatening to the patient’s life. Evers vetoed such a bill two years ago.” [Associated Press, 10/27/21]

Coerced Abortions

2007: Roth Voted To Require Doctors To Make Sure Abortions Were Not Coerced, An Already Illegal Practice In Wisconsin

2007: Roth Voted To Require Doctors To Make Sure Abortions Were Voluntary And Not Coerced. On October 30, 2007, Roth voted for Assembly Bill 427, which would, according to the Daily Cardinal, “require a doctor to make sure the consent is indeed voluntary and not coerced, providing women with information on domestic abuse services if needed.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 65-32 vote. The legislation failed to pass the Wisconsin Senate and died. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 427; Wisconsin Assembly Journal, 10/30/07; Daily Cardinal, 11/1/07]

• Legislation Would Require Physicians Performing Abortions To Determine Whether A Woman Is Being Pressured To Get An Abortion. According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, “The state Legislature's pursuit of abortion rights legislation has slowed this session with fewer abortion-related bills considered. The Coercive Abortion Prevention Act, which would require physicians performing abortions to determine whether a woman is being pressured to get an abortion, is this year's first abortion-related bill, introduced June 21.” [Green Bay Press-Gazette, 7/6/07]
• Capital Times Editorial: Legislation Was “Meaningless Moralizing” Because Coercion Was “Already Illegal In Wisconsin.” According to a Capital Times editorial, “The state Assembly is back to its old bad behaviors. As in the tenure of former Speaker John Gard, the chamber is deviating from the serious work of the state to engage in entirely meaningless moralizing. This week saw the Assembly devote time to debating and voting on a bill that would require doctors to determine whether adult women who are exercising their right to choose are being coerced to get abortions. The legislation, which passed the Assembly, was entirely unnecessary. As noted by state Rep. Terese Berceau, the Madison Democrat who is the Assembly's chief proponent of reproductive rights, the issue addressed by the bill ‘is not a problem, and it's already illegal in Wisconsin.’ Berceau's right. The Assembly engaged in cheap symbolism when it took up this proposal by state Rep. Mark Gundrum, R-New Berlin. It wasted the time and money of taxpayers, while proposing the creation of new bureaucracies and legal conundrums.” [Editorial – Capital Times, 11/3/07]

Insurance

2018: Roth Voted To Ban The State From Providing Insurance Plans That Cover Abortion

2018: Roth Voted To Ban The State From Providing Insurance Plans That Cover Abortion. On February 20, 2018, Roth voted for Assembly Bill 128, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “prevent the state from providing insurance plans that cover abortion.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 61-35 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 18-14 vote. Governor Scott Walker signed the legislation and it became law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 128; 2017 Senate Vote 206, 2/20/18; 2017 Wisconsin Act 191; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/20/17]

• Legislation Would Ban The State From Providing Insurance Plans That Cover Abortion And Applied To Local Governments That Got Their Insurance Through The State Group Insurance Board. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Public workers could not use their government-sponsored health insurance plans for abortions in most cases, under a bill Republicans in the Legislature are considering. Republicans are seeking to advance the measure more than three years after abandoning an earlier version of the legislation that state Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) said at the time would unleash ‘all out hell’ in the Senate. Assembly Bill 128 would prevent the state from providing insurance plans that cover abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or to preserve the life of the mother. The provision would also apply to local governments that get their insurance through the state Group Insurance Board.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/20/17]
• Legislation Provided An Exception For Incest And Sexual Assault, But Only If The Woman Has Reported The Crime To Law Enforcement. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “The bill also provides an exception for incest and sexual assault, but only if the woman has reported the crime to law enforcement.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/3/17]

2019: Roth Voted To Direct The State Department Of Health Services TO Exclude Abortion Clinics From The State’s Medicaid Program 

2019: Roth Voted To Bar The Department Of Health Services From Certifying A Provider Under The Medical Assistance Program If They Offered Abortion Services And Would Have Allowed The Department To Decertify A Provider For Conducting Abortion Services. On June 5, 2019, Roth voted for Assembly Bill 183, which would, according to Badger Herald, “barred the Department of Health Services from certifying a provider under the Medical Assistance program if they offered abortion services and similarly would have allowed the DHS to decertify a provider for conducting abortion services.”. The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 64-32 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-13 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 183; 2019 Senate Vote 36, 6/5/19; Badger Herald, 9/23/21]

• Legislation Would Bar The Department Of Health Services From Certifying A Provider Under The Medical Assistance Program If They Offered Abortion Services And Would Have Allowed The Department To Decertify A Provider For Conducting Abortion Services. According to the Badger Herald, “Another veoted bill, 2019 Assembly Bill 183, would have barred the Department of Health Services from certifying a provider under the Medical Assistance program if they offered abortion services and similarly would have allowed the DHS to decertify a provider for conducting abortion services. In doing so, the provider would not be able to bill Medicare and consequently, all of the provider’s patients would have likely been forced to pay for the services out-of-pocket.” [Badger Herald, 9/23/21]

Partial-Birth Abortion

2008: Roth Voted To Ban So-Called Partial-Birth Abortion

2008: Roth Co-Sponsored, But Did Not Vote On, Legislation To Ban So-Called Partial-Birth Abortion In Wisconsin. In January 2008, Roth co-sponsored, but missed the vote on Assembly Bill 710, which would, according to the Associated Press, “mirror the federal prohibition” on so-called partial-birth abortion. The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 59-38 vote. The legislation failed to pass the Wisconsin Senate and died. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 710; Wisconsin Assembly Journal, 2/28/08; Associated Press, 2/1/08]

• Legislation Would Change Wording In Wisconsin’s So-Called Partial-Birth Abortion Ban To Make The Law Legal By Making Language In Wisconsin’s Ban Conform With A Federal Ban So The State Prohibition Is Enforceable. According to the Associated Press, “A legislative committee took testimony Thursday on a bill that would change wording in Wisconsin's partial-birth abortion ban to make the law legal. The proposal would make language in Wisconsin's ban conform with a federal ban so the state prohibition is enforceable. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Nebraska's ban on partial-birth abortion in 2000, saying it was too broad. A federal appeals court the next year held Wisconsin's ban had the same flaws as Nebraska's and issued an injunction preventing enforcement. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2007, however, held that a federal ban on partial-birth abortion was legal. The court said the ban didn't unduly limit a woman's right to abortion and the statute set out specific definitions of a partial-birth abortion.” [Associated Press, 1/31/08]

Planned Parenthood

2016: Roth Voted To Block Title X Funding From Going To Organizations That Provide Abortion Services

2016: Roth Voted For Legislation To Block Title X Funding To Planned Parenthood. On January 20, 2016, Roth voted for Assembly Bill 310, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “prevent the state from passing on federal money it receives through the Title X grant program to any group that provides abortions or has an affiliate that provides abortions.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 60-35 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-14 vote. Governor Scott Walker signed the legislation and it became law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 310; 2015 Senate Vote 207, 1/20/16; 2015 Wisconsin Act 151; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/21/16]

• Legislation Would Prevent The State From Passing On Federal Money It Receives Through The Title X Grant Program To Any Group That Provides Abortions Or Has An Affiliate That Provides Abortions; Planned Parenthood Of Wisconsin Received About $3.5 Million In Title X Money A Year. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Again on party lines, the Senate voted 19-14 to pass Assembly Bill 310, which would prevent the state from passing on federal money it receives through the Title X grant program to any group that provides abortions or has an affiliate that provides abortions. Title X money goes toward family planning and health screening for the poor and uninsured and is not allowed to be used for abortions. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin receives about $3.5 million in Title X money a year. The Assembly approved the measure in September and it now goes to Walker, a longtime opponent of Planned Parenthood.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/21/16]

2016: Roth Voted To Restrict Medicaid Reimbursements To Planned Parenthood For Birth Control

2016: Roth Voted To Restrict Reimbursements Through Medicaid For Clinics Affiliated With Abortion Providers. On January 20, 2016, Roth voted for Senate Bill 238, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “put restrictions on how much clinics affiliated with abortion providers could be reimbursed for dispensing birth control.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-14 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 61-35 vote. Governor Scott Walker signed the legislation and it became law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 238; 2015 Senate Vote 187, 1/20/16; 2015 Wisconsin Act 152; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/12/16]

• Under The Legislation, Planned Parenthood Would Be Limited To Billing Taxpayers Through Medicaid For The Actual Acquisition Cost, Plus A Dispensing Fee. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Planned Parenthood and other family planning clinics acquire drugs at discounted rates available through a Medicaid health program known as 340B. Under Senate Bill 238, Planned Parenthood would be limited to billing taxpayers through Medicaid for the actual acquisition cost, plus a dispensing fee. Opponents argued it would be thrown out in court because it would treat Planned Parenthood differently than other clinics. The bill next goes to the Assembly, which is also controlled by Republicans.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/21/16]
• Planned Parenthood Would Lose About $4 Million A Year. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “The state Assembly approved bills Thursday slicing into Planned Parenthood's funding and making it easier for landlords to kick out tenants when crimes occur on their properties. With all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed, the Assembly approved the bill 61-35 and sent it to Gov. Scott Walker, a longtime opponent of Planned Parenthood. Under the bill, SB 238, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin would lose about $4million a year because it would put restrictions on how much clinics affiliated with abortion providers could be reimbursed for dispensing birth control.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/12/16]
• Legislation Offered Lower Reimbursement Rates For Clinics That Are Linked To An Abortion Provider. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “The prescription drug bill, SB 238, would limit Planned Parenthood to billing taxpayers through Medicaid for the actual acquisition cost, plus a dispensing fee. Family planning clinics are able to acquire drugs at discounted rates through a Medicaid health program known as 340B. Democrats have accused Republicans of allowing their ideology to prevent some women from getting birth control, and opponents of SB 238 argued it will be thrown out in court because it treats Planned Parenthood differently than other clinics. The bill doesn't mention Planned Parenthood by name but singles the group out by offering lower reimbursement rates for clinics that are linked to an abortion provider. The bill was approved with party-line votes by the Senate in January and by the Assembly last week.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/19/16]

2021: Roth Voted To Defund PLanned Parenthood

2021: Roth Voted To Bar Wisconsin From Certifying A Provision Under Medicaid That Provides Abortion Services. On October 20, 2021, Roth voted for Senate Bill 503, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “reduce funding for abortion providers by barring the state from certifying a provider under Medicaid that provides abortion services.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 20-11 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 55-38 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 503; 2021 Senate Vote 136, 10/20/21; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/21/21]

• Legislation Would Reduce Funding For Abortion Providers By Prohibiting The State From Certifying Them As A Provider Under Medicaid. According to the Associated Press, “A fourth measure Evers vetoed would reduce funding for abortion providers by prohibiting the state from certifying them as a provider under Medicaid. There would be exceptions in cases of sexual assault or incest or if the woman’s life is in danger.” [Associated Press, 12/3/21]
• Legislation Would Cut Off Funding For Planned Parenthood. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, “Other bills passed on mostly party line votes Wednesday would cut off state funding for Planned Parenthood, require doctors to tell women they can change their minds when undergoing a chemical abortion and ban doctors from performing abortions based on race, sex or congenital defects.” [Wisconsin Public Radio, 10/27/21]

20-Week Abortion Ban

2015: Roth Voted For A 20-Week Abortion Ban Without Exceptions For Rape Or Incest

2015: Roth Voted For A 20-Week Abortion Ban. On June 9, 2015, Roth voted for Senate Bill 179, which would, according to Politico, ban “all non-emergency abortion after 20 weeks. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-14 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 61-34 vote. Governor Scott Walker signed the legislation and it became law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 179; 2015 Senate Vote 61, 6/9/15; 2015 Wisconsin Act 56; Politico, 7/20/15]

• Legislation Banned Abortions After 20 Weeks And Made Performing An Abortion A Felony Punishable By Up To Three And A Half Years In Prison And $10,000 In Fines. According to Politico, “On Monday, Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill that bans all non-emergency abortion after 20 weeks. The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that’s when fetuses begin to feel pain. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, says that pain doesn’t occur until 27 weeks.” [Politico, 7/20/15]
• Legislation Did Not Include Exceptions For Rape Or Incest. According to the Associated Press, “But in the face of questions from anti-abortion conservatives over his commitment to the issue in the light of the campaign ad, Walker in March came out in support of the 20-week abortion ban. […] The governor`s signature makes Wisconsin the 15th state to pass similar bans. There is no exception for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.” [Associated Press, 7/21/15]

Born Alive Legislation

2019: Roth Voted For So-Called “Born Alive” Legislation

2019: Roth Sponsored And Voted For “Born Alive” Legislation To Require Doctors And Nurses To Provide Care During A Failed Abortion Attempt. On June 5, 2019, Roth voted for Assembly Bill 179, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “require doctors and nurses present during a failed abortion attempt to provide the same care to the child as they would any other.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 62-35 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 18-14 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 179; 2019 Senate Vote 33, 6/5/19; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/8/19]

• Legislation Would Require Doctors And Nurses Present During A Failed Abortion Attempt To Provide The Same Care To The Child As They Would Any Other. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “The measure, Assembly Bill 179, would require doctors and nurses present during a failed abortion attempt to provide the same care to the child as they would any other. Intentionally causing the child's death could result in life in prison. Evers has said he would veto the bill and that it was designed to divide people. The fight over abortion comes at a time when Evers and Republicans who control the Legislature are finding little they can agree on. They have disagreed on a host of budget issues and lawmakers so far this year have approved few bills. The abortion legislation mirrors a bill Democrats in the U.S. Senate blocked in February. Similar legislation is also moving through other statehouses.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/8/19]
• Under The Legislation, Doctors And Health Care Providers Could Face Life Sentences In Prison For “Intentionally Causing The Death Of A Child Born Alive” After A Failed Abortion. According to CNN, “The measure, Assembly Bill 179, would mandate that health professionals do all they could to keep a baby alive if it was ‘born alive’ and would penalize anyone who let a baby die. Under the bill, doctors and health care providers could face life sentences in prison for ‘intentionally causing the death of a child born alive’ after a failed abortion. The bill would not penalize the mother.” [CNN, 5/22/19]

2021: Roth Sponsored And Voted For So-Called “Born-Alive” Legislation

2021: Roth Voted For Legislation Requiring Doctors To Provide Care If A Baby Breaths Or Shows Signs Of Life Following An Attempted Abortion. On September 28, 2021, Roth voted for Senate Bill 16, which would, according to Wisconsin Public Radio, “if a baby breathes, has a beating heart or shows movement of voluntary muscles following an attempted abortion, health care workers are required to provide immediate medical care and ensure the child is immediately transported and admitted to a hospital. The penalty for failing to do so would be a felony charge with a fine of up to $10,000 and up to six years in prison.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-12 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 55-38 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 16; 2021 Senate Vote 121, 9/28/21; Wisconsin Public Radio, 9/9/21]

• Roth Sponsored The Legislation And Claimed That It Did “Not Regulate Abortion In Any Sense.” According to Wisconsin Public Radio, “During a public hearing on the measure at the Capitol on Thursday, Sen. Roger Roth, R-Appleton, one of the bill’s sponsors, argued the plan ‘does not regulate abortion in any sense,’ because it applies to things that may happen after a failed abortion.   ‘Regardless of the circumstances a baby comes into this world, he or she must have the same rights and protections that you and I have,’ Roth said.” [Wisconsin Public Radio, 9/9/21]
• Doctors Said The Legislation Was A Solution In Search Of A Problem. According to the Associated Press, “The bill also would make intentionally causing the death of a child born alive as a result of an abortion a felony punishable by life in prison. Doctors insist the proposal is a solution in search of a problem. They and other opponents say babies are almost never born alive during failed abortion attempts and in the rare instances in which they are, doctors are already ethically and legally bound to try and keep them alive.” [Associated Press, 12/3/21]

Selective Bans

2019 – 2021: Roth Twice Voted To Ban Abortions On Race, Sex, Or Disability

2019: Roth Voted For Legislation To Ban Abortions Based On Race, Sex, Or Disability Of A Fetus. On June 5, 2019, Roth voted for Assembly Bill 182, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “ban women from seeking an abortion because of the race, sex or disability of a fetus, as long as the disability is considered compatible with life.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 62-35 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 19-13 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Assembly Bill 182; 2019 Senate Vote 35, 6/5/19; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/8/19]

• Legislation Would Ban Women From Seeking An Abortion Because Of The Race, Sex Or Disability Of A Fetus, As Long As The Disability Is Considered Compatible With Life. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Another measure Republicans are considering, Assembly Bill 182, would ban women from seeking an abortion because of the race, sex or disability of a fetus, as long as the disability is considered compatible with life. Democrats are contrasting the abortion bills with Republican opposition to Evers' plan to expand health-care under the Affordable Care Act for women's health and other programs. Evers' proposal would allow Planned Parenthood to receive more taxpayer funding for family planning services - an idea opposed by Republicans because the group is the nation's largest abortion provider.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/8/19]

2021: Roth Voted To Ban Abortion Based On Sex Or Race. On October 20, 2021, Roth voted for Senate Bill 593, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, ban “abortions based on sex or race.” The legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate on a 20-11 vote. It then passed the Wisconsin Assembly on a 55-39 vote. Governor Tony Evers vetoed the legislation and it failed to become law. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 593; 2021 Senate Vote 140, 10/20/21; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/21/21]

Reporting Requirements

2021: Roth Voted To Require Doctors To Provide Expecting Parents Information About Congenital Conditions

2021: Roth Voted To Require Doctors To Provide Expecting Parents Information About Congenital Conditions. On November 8, 2021, Roth voted for Senate Bill 261, which would, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, require “doctors to provide expecting parents information about congenital conditions.” The legislation passed the Senate on a 20-12 vote. No other action was taken on the bill and it died. [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 261; 2021 Senate Vote 164, 11/8/21; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/21/21]

Right To Life Month

2021: Roth Voted To Make October 2021 Right To Life Month In Wisconsin

2021: Roth Voted To Make October 2021 Right To Life Month In Wisconsin. On October 25, 2021, Roth voted for Senate Joint Resolution 71, which would, according to the Wisconsin Examiner, declare “October 2021 ‘Right to Life Month in Wisconsin.’” [Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Joint Resolution 71; 2021 Senate Vote 162, 10/25/21; Wisconsin Examiner, 10/27/21]