Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is open for abortion care

In June of 2022, PPWI made the difficult decision to suspend abortion services. This was a direct result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade and put physicians who provide abortions in Wisconsin at risk of prosecution.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) has maintained that Wisconsin Statute 940.04, commonly known as the 1849 criminal abortion ban, is not enforceable. On July 7th, the Dane County Circuit Court agreed and ruled that Wisconsin Statute 940.04 does not prohibit consensual medical abortions. The ruling and statement from the Dane County Circuit Court provides the pathway for PPWI to resume providing safe and legal abortion care.

Moving Forward: Access to Care

Starting today, patients will have the ability to schedule future appointments for abortion care services at our Water Street Health Center in Milwaukee, WI, and Madison East Health Center in Madison, WI. Availability for these appointments will begin on Monday, September 18. We plan to continue to increase the availability of appointments and service locations over the coming months because Wisconsinites cannot wait any longer for this essential and life-saving care.

The decision to resume abortion services in Wisconsin is that of PPWI alone. We have reached this decision in consultation with our attorneys, physicians and other important partners and stakeholders, with patient care being our central priority and concern.

PPWI’s Continued Commitment to Care

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin recognizes that lack of access to abortion care compromises the health of women and people who can become pregnant and worsen health outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and rural people. Though we have made progress, we are still dedicated to fighting for a better future where decisions about pregnancy and reproductive health are left to each individual based on what’s best for their health and their future.

There is a long road ahead in protecting and expanding access to abortion in WI for the long term, and we are grateful to be taking this crucial step on that path.

Tanya Atkinson

President & CEO
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin