Senate Bill 547 aims to eliminate several abortion-related regulations in Wisconsin. The bill repeals various statutes, including those that require a physician to perform a physical exam and be present when administering abortion-inducing drugs, as well as the requirement for physicians to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital to perform abortions. Additionally, it removes specific informed consent requirements that exceed standard medical procedures, such as the 24-hour waiting period and the necessity for certain information to be provided in person before an abortion. The bill also eliminates the felony charge for non-physicians performing abortions, while maintaining existing prohibitions on abortions after viability and protections against prosecuting women who obtain abortions.

The bill amends several sections of current law to reflect these changes, including updates to informed consent language and definitions related to medical emergencies. Notably, it repeals sections 46.245, 253.095, 253.10, 253.105, and 940.15 (5), while amending sections 48.375, 69.186, and 448.02. The changes are designed to streamline the abortion process and reduce regulatory burdens, while still adhering to general medical consent laws. The new provisions will take effect the day after publication, with the repeal and recreation of section 448.02 (3) (a) specifically set to take effect 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