Assembly Bill 718 introduces new regulations regarding the prescription, use, and disposal of abortion-inducing drugs in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that physicians not only perform a physical examination and be present during the administration of the drug but also schedule a follow-up visit within seven days to assess the patient's condition. Additionally, physicians are required to provide a catch kit and medical waste bag for proper disposal of medical waste, along with instructions for their use. Violations of these new requirements, as well as existing ones, would result in a Class I felony charge, with penalties applicable to both the prescriber and the manufacturer of the drugs.

Furthermore, the bill places responsibility on manufacturers for the proper disposal of abortion-inducing drugs and any resulting endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that interfere with human hormones. If such disruptors are detected in wastewater due to improper disposal, manufacturers must comply with existing environmental regulations, including notifying the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and mitigating any harmful effects. The DNR is also tasked with requiring wastewater treatment plants to regularly test for endocrine disruptors and may assist in developing testing capabilities. The bill is set to take effect on May 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 253.105(1)(b), 253.105, 253.105(2)(intro.), 292.01(5), 292.01