Abortion is currently legal in Wisconsin until the fetus is capable of experiencing pain, which is around 20 weeks of pregnancy post-fertilization (22 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual cycle).
Abortion is also banned after a fetus reaches the age of viability, meaning he or she can survive outside the uterus. Women cannot be penalized for seeking or obtaining an abortion.
Why Have Laws Been Unclear in Wisconsin?
After the overturn of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, the abortion laws in Wisconsin became unclear. There was a long period of reviewing Wisconsin’s existing laws, particularly one from 1849, and seeing how they applied to modern times.
In September 2023, a Wisconsin judge ruled that an 1849 law did not ban abortion, and abortion is now legal through 22 weeks of gestation.
What Does This Mean for Women in Wisconsin?
Women now have access to abortion in Wisconsin, which means they will be able to evaluate more pregnancy options.
The gestational limit of 22 weeks of pregnancy covers the first and second trimesters. This means women should learn about both medical and surgical abortion and the risks before considering either procedure.
How Do You Find Your Pregnancy’s Gestational Age?
An ultrasound scan can tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy by taking measurements. It provides an accurate estimate that period trackers and other methods can’t match.
If you think you might be pregnant, your first step is to verify your pregnancy with testing followed by an ultrasound scan. Not only will the scan tell you how long you’ve been pregnant, but also detect potential complications such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Evaluating Your Pregnancy Options
In Wisconsin, you have three pregnancy options: abortion, parenting, and adoption. The choice is yours, and it’s an important decision.
Schedule an appointment at First Care Clinic for free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and STI testing. You can also process your emotions and talk about your options. Our clinic provides information on every option so you feel informed and can weigh the possibilities.
All of our services are 100% free, so schedule a time that works best with your schedule. Let us be a resource for you during your pregnancy.
First Care Clinic does not refer for or perform abortions.