What's happened
On July 2, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that effectively nullified a 1849 abortion ban, affirming that modern laws supersede the outdated statute. This decision ensures legal access to abortion in Wisconsin, following a contentious legal battle initiated after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court's ruling reflects a significant shift in the legal landscape regarding abortion rights, emphasizing that modern legislation can override historical bans.
- The court's 4-3 decision indicates a strong liberal majority, which is likely to influence future rulings on reproductive rights.
- The ruling provides clarity for healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that abortion services remain accessible in Wisconsin.
Implications:
- This decision may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar outdated laws.
- The ongoing legal challenges, including a separate lawsuit from Planned Parenthood, could further shape the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin.
- The political ramifications of this ruling could energize both pro-choice and pro-life movements ahead of upcoming elections.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision was a 4-3 ruling that upheld a lower court's finding that the 1849 law was effectively nullified by more recent legislation. The article notes that the ruling was influenced by the liberal majority on the court, particularly following the election of Susan Crawford, who campaigned on supporting abortion rights. In contrast, the New York Post highlighted dissenting opinions, with Justice Annette Ziegler criticizing the ruling as a 'jaw-dropping exercise of judicial will.' This divergence illustrates the polarized views on abortion rights within the state and the broader national context. AP News also emphasized the historical context of the 1849 ban and its implications for current abortion laws, reinforcing the significance of the court's ruling in the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights.
How we got here
The 1849 abortion ban in Wisconsin was rendered unenforceable by the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. However, following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe, the ban was argued to be reactivated. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit to clarify the legality of abortion under current laws.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this ruling for abortion rights?
- How did the recent elections affect the court's composition?
- What other legal challenges are pending regarding abortion in Wisconsin?
Common question
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What are the latest controversies in politics and media?
Recent events have sparked significant discussions in both politics and media, highlighting the complex interplay between public figures and their statements. From local government controversies to new journalism platforms, these stories raise important questions about accountability, public perception, and the evolving landscape of news reporting.
More on these topics
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Joshua Lautenschlager Kaul (born February 2, 1981) is an American lawyer, politician and member of the Democratic Party who has served as the 45th Attorney General of Wisconsin since January 2019.
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The Wisconsin Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in Wisconsin. The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over original actions, appeals from lower courts, and regulation or administration of the practice of law in Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central, Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the country. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake S
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Susan Crawford may refer to:
Susan Fletcher Crawford (1863–1918), Scottish etcher
Susan J. Crawford, American judge and senior Pentagon official, the convening authority for Guantanamo military commissions 2007–2010
Susan M. Crawford (born 1965), Wis