Lawmakers weigh in on leaked Roe v. Wade opinion
By Brittany Slaughter
WISCONSIN, (WAOW)-- Lawmakers are weighing in on the leaked Roe v. Wade draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court.
The draft opinion shows the Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade which would mean it's solely up to the states to decide abortion rights.
In Wisconsin, the reaction is mixed, from politicians praising the possibility to others fearful the decision will take away women's reproductive rights.
Some are prepared to fight.
"We're not going to go back, we're going to keep fighting," said Democratic Representative Katrina Shankland in District 71.
Other lawmakers said they are hopeful.
"I'm cautiously optimistic," said Donna Rozar, a Republican Representative in District 69.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle weighed in on the leaked Roe v. Wade opinion draft.
"I have been pro-life for a very long time. I have always believed that the decision 50 years ago was not a right decision," Rozar said.
Representative Shankland said people have options.
"I want people to know that if they're scared, if they're feeling frustrated and angry and they don't know what to do, I want to encourage them to contact their state and federal lawmakers," Shankland said.
Rozar explained what the potential for overturning Roe v. Wade could mean for Wisconsin.
"I think that people just don't understand that the discussion will continue. If Roe v. Wade is overturned it doesn't make abortion illegal it just returns the issue to the states," Rozar said.
A Wisconsin State Statute defines abortion as homicide. It reads in part;
"Except as provided in sub. (2), whoever causes the death of an unborn child with intent to kill that unborn child, kill the woman who is pregnant with that unborn child or kill another is guilty of a Class A felony."
If Roe v. Wade is overturned the statute would go back into effect making abortion illegal.
"We're going to make sure that people have access to the ability to plan their futures to determine their medical decisions and to make sure people aren't criminalized for accessing an abortion," Shankland said.
It's unclear if that statute would end up being enforced in the Badger state, if the Supreme Court does decide to overturn Roe v. Wade.
It is important to note a final Supreme Court decision isn't expected until the end of June, so until then, despite the leaked draft opinion, nothing has changed.