Wisconsin Democratic congressional delegation backs call to end Hyde amendment

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., brought back a proposal last week to the Senate that aims to ensure those disproportionately affected by abortion bans have greater access to services.

The bill would help those relying on Medicaid and government funding for health coverage obtain abortions by ending the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal dollars from being spent on abortions unless they’re necessary to save the life of the pregnant person or the pregnancy is the result of incest or sexual assault.

According to a 2022 Marquette University Law School poll, around 58 percent of Wisconsinites believe abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances.

“Every American deserves the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions without interference from politicians or the government,” Baldwin said. “Wisconsinites overwhelmingly agree.”

Senators noted in a statement last week that the amendment has a disproportionate effect on those with low income, people of color and immigrants.

Legislators have now proposed the bill in both chambers, with a House version of the bill introduced in January receiving support from Reps. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, and Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont.

“Your income shouldn’t deny you access to vital reproductive care,” Moore said. “We need this legislation now more than ever to protect this right and end the punitive bans imposed on women.”

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., introduced legislation earlier this year that would permanently bar federal funding for abortions. According to Johnson’s office, the bill would make permanent the Hyde Amendment and other restrictions that rely on yearly approval.

Last year, Johnson joined other GOP senators in a letter pledging “unwavering support for the Hyde Amendment and all other longstanding pro-life protections.”

– Elizabeth Casolo for Wisconsin Health News