Assembly Bill 355 aims to establish the fundamental right to bodily autonomy, which includes access to abortion, while eliminating various existing regulations surrounding abortion in Wisconsin. The bill specifies that the state cannot prohibit an individual from obtaining an abortion if deemed necessary by their medical provider. It also renders any state law or rule that restricts access to abortion unenforceable if it does not provide a legitimate health benefit. Additionally, individuals aggrieved by the enforcement of such laws can seek legal action against state or local officials. The bill maintains standard informed consent requirements for medical procedures but removes additional abortion-specific requirements, including the 24-hour waiting period and the necessity for a physician to be present when administering abortion-inducing drugs.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that health care coverage plans offered by the state must include coverage for abortion if they provide maternity coverage, thereby repealing previous prohibitions on abortion coverage in state employee health plans. It also repeals various abortion-related laws, including those that impose criminal penalties on non-physicians performing abortions and those requiring physicians to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. The bill does not alter existing prohibitions on performing abortions after fetal viability or other homicide laws. Overall, Assembly Bill 355 seeks to enhance access to abortion services and protect the rights of individuals seeking such care in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 40.03(6)(a)1, 40.03, 40.03(6)(a)2, 40.03(6)(b), 40.03(6)(m), 40.56, 46.245, 48.375(4)(a)1, 48.375, 69.186(1)(hf), 69.186, 69.186(1)(k), 253.095, 253.10, 253.105, 253.107(1)(b), 253.107, 441.07(1g)(f), 441.07, 448.02(3)(a), 448.02, 457.26(2)(gm), 457.26, 632.8985, 939.75(2)(b)1, 939.75