Wisconsin state law has outlawed abortion since 1849. That law has gone unenforced for nearly 50 years since Roe v. Wade, but other restrictions have been approved by the Legislature since 1973. Here’s a look at the history of abortion law in Wisconsin, from the 1800s to today.
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When the U.S. Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe reportedly leaked in May, it sparked protests in Madison and across the country.
Photos: 1,000+ march in support of abortion rights in Downtown Madison
Abortion rights protest
Demonstrators move to State Street after a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
(From left center) Sean Larson, Jessica Roder and Holly Gale attend a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
Demonstrators make their way toward State Street after a rally outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
Demonstrators protest outside the state Capitol in Madison Tuesday, a day after a leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
Demonstrators protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
Adam Woodford, center, with his kids, from left, Odessa, 7, Emilio, 10, and Oliver, 13, right, attend a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
Demonstrators at a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
From left, Celia Renforth and Karly Lovas attend a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
(From left) Sean Larson, Jessica Roder and Holly Gale attend a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
(From left) Sarah Hoyt, Olivia Spitznagl and Izzy Stewart-Adams, right, all seniors at West High School, attend a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights protest
Shepherd Janeway stands behind the Forward statue during a protest outside the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.
