Senate Bill 547 aims to repeal several existing abortion-related regulations in Wisconsin, including the requirement that a physician must perform a physical exam and be present when administering an abortion-inducing drug. The bill also removes the prohibition against physicians without admitting privileges at a nearby hospital from performing abortions, a regulation previously deemed unenforceable by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Additionally, the bill eliminates specific informed consent requirements that exceed standard medical procedures, such as the 24-hour waiting period and the necessity for in-person counseling before an abortion.

The legislation further repeals criminal penalties for non-physicians performing abortions and maintains existing laws that prohibit prosecution of women who obtain abortions. Key amendments include changes to informed consent language and the definition of a medical emergency related to abortion procedures. The bill also includes a provision to repeal and recreate a section regarding the investigation of unprofessional conduct by licensed medical professionals, streamlining the focus on specific violations while removing outdated references. The act is set to take effect the day after publication, with the repeal and recreation of certain provisions effective on March 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 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, 940.15(5), 940.15