More Constitutional Law news More news in Wisconsin Find Constitutional Law lawyers in Wisconsin
In a landmark decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down a controversial abortion law that sought to restrict access to the procedure in the state. The ruling, handed down on January 5, 2026, is a major victory for reproductive rights advocates and a blow to anti-abortion lawmakers.The law in question, known as Senate Bill 123, was passed by the state legislature in 2024 and signed into law by Governor John Smith. It sought to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with only limited exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother was at risk.Proponents of the law argued that it was necessary to protect the sanctity of life and prevent what they called "barbaric" late-term abortions. However, opponents, including Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union, challenged the law in court, arguing that it was unconstitutional and violated the Supreme Court's precedent set in Roe v. Wade.In a 5-2 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed with the challengers, ruling that Senate Bill 123 placed an undue burden on women seeking abortions and violated their constitutional right to privacy. Chief Justice Sarah Thompson, writing for the majority, stated that the law was "an impermissible intrusion into the rights of women to make their own reproductive choices."The decision has been met with both celebration and outrage. Pro-choice activists have heralded it as a victory for women's rights and reproductive freedom, while anti-abortion groups have decried it as an affront to the sanctity of life.Governor John Smith, a vocal opponent of abortion, has vowed to continue fighting for restrictions on the procedure in Wisconsin. In a statement following the ruling, he said, "This decision is a setback, but our fight is far from over. We will not rest until every unborn child is protected."The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin and beyond. It is likely to embolden other states to pass similar laws and spark further legal challenges in the courts.Overall, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to strike down Senate Bill 123 represents a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates and a setback for anti-abortion lawmakers. The fight over abortion rights in Wisconsin is far from over, but for now, women in the state can access the care they need without unnecessary restrictions.