Wisconsin Supreme Court Overturns 1849 Abortion Ban

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ideological split, struck down the state's 1849 abortion ban, ruling that it was superseded by comprehensive abortion laws enacted over the past 50 years, which permit the procedure until about 20 weeks of pregnancy. The court clarified that the old ban did not apply to consensual abortions and that newer laws were intended to replace the near-total ban. This decision follows uncertainty after the 2022 Dobbs ruling, which temporarily threatened abortion access in Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul praised the ruling as a victory for reproductive freedom, while Republican leaders denounced it as judicial overreach. Existing abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period and ultrasound requirement, remain in place. The court also dismissed a separate Planned Parenthood lawsuit, deeming it resolved by this decision.