Senate Bill 553 proposes significant amendments to the definition of abortion within Wisconsin law, particularly concerning the requirements for voluntary and informed consent. The bill clarifies that certain medical procedures performed by physicians, which are intended to prevent the death of a pregnant woman and not to terminate the life of the unborn child, will not be classified as abortions. This includes procedures such as early induction or cesarean sections performed in medical emergencies, as well as the removal of dead embryos or fetuses, and treatments for ectopic, anembryonic, or molar pregnancies. The bill aims to ensure that these medical interventions are distinguished from abortion, provided that reasonable medical efforts are made to preserve both the woman's life and that of her unborn child.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "anembryonic pregnancy," "ectopic pregnancy," and "molar pregnancy," which are essential for understanding the context of the proposed changes. It also renumbers and amends various sections of existing statutes to incorporate these definitions and clarifications. The bill's intent is to align the legal framework with medical practices that prioritize the health and safety of pregnant women while addressing the complexities surrounding abortion-related procedures.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 253.10(2)(h), 253.10