Compiled by the Wisconsin Right to Life Political Action Committe
WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE 2005-2006 Session 2001–2002 Session Pro-Life Voting Records
HOW THEY VOTED 2005-2006 Session Senator VOTE:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 % RATING 93%
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O O
CARPENTER, Tim (D-3)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X O X
BRESKE, Roger (D-12)
BROWN, Ronald (R-31) COGGS, Spencer (D-6)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X O O
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X O
DECKER, Russell (D-29)
X X X X X X X X X X X O X X O X
COWLES, Robert (R-2)
DARLING, Alberta (R-8)
A X X X X X X X X X X O X X O
ELLIS, Michael (R-19)
ERPENBACH, Jon (D-27)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
GROTHMAN, Glenn (R-20) HANSEN, Dave (D-30)
X X
O O
X
X
X
X X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
JAUCH, Robert (D-25) KANAVAS, Ted (R-33)
O O
X X X X X X X X X X X O X O O O X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
FITZGERALD, Scott (R-13)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
HARSDORF, Sheila (R-10)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
KAPANKE, Dan (R-32) KEDZIE, Neal (R-11) LASEE, Alan (R-1)
O
X
O
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X O O X
OLSEN, Luther (R-14)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
LEIBHAM, Joseph (R-9)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
LASSA, Julie (D-24)
LAZICH, Mary (R-28)
MILLER, Mark (D-16) PLALE, Jeff (D-7)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
89% 11%
13%
88%
79%
13%
80%
17%
100%
100% 13% 93%
13%
O 94%
O 88%
13%
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
100%
100%
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
O O 12%
88%
X X X X X X X X X X X O X O X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O O
RISSER, Fred (D-26)
ROBSON, Judith (D-15)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
STEPP, Cathy (R-21)
100% 93%
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
REYNOLDS, Tom (R-5)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
ROESSLER, Carol (R-18) SCHULTZ, Dale (R-17)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
WIRCH, Robert (D-22)
TAYLOR, Lena (D-4)
10625 West North Avenue, Suite LL Milwaukee, WI 53226-2331 PHONE: (414) 778-5780 FAX: (414) 778-5785 EMAIL:
[email protected] www.wrtl.org
Wisconsin Right to Life W Political Action Committee
Since the mid-1970s, the enactment of all pro-life laws in Wisconsin has been the result of the work of Wisconsin Right to Life. Wisconsin Right to Life has been the cornerstone of the pro-life movement in Wisconsin, acting on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society, for 38 years. Other pro-life groups form, but Wisconsin Right to Life remains as the organization legislators and citizens look to for leadership in building a culture of life. Wisconsin Right to Life is proud of its leadership, record, and heritage as the primary protector of human rights in Wisconsin. For more information about right-tolife legislation in the State of Wisconsin, visit the Legislative Information Center on the Wisconsin Right to Life website at www.wrtl.org. X
O
87%
100%
O 6%
13%
X X X X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X O X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
95%
X
93%
100%
94%
X
12%
O
13%
For voting records of federal candidates, visit the website of the National Right to Life Committee at www.nrlc.org. This brochure and other important electionrelated information can be found at the Wisconsin Right to Life website at www.wrtl.org. The “How They Voted” brochure is compiled by the Wisconsin Right to Life Political Action Committee after the completion of each twoyear state legislative session. This brochure includes the actual voting records of incumbent state legislators on key right-to-life legislative issues. This information is intended to provide information to individuals who may wish to consider the voting records of incumbents at election time.
ZIEN, David (R-23)
UNFOLD BROCHURE COMPLETELY FOR ASSEMBLY VOTES
% RATING: The pro-life voting percentage for each Senator is a straight average.
Vote #22: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 46. Passage recommended, 5-0 (WRL position did not prevail). Senate Campaign Finance and Ethics Committee members only. Vote #21: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 552. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Review of Administrative Rules Committee members only. Vote #20: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 270. Passage recommended, 5-0 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Health, Families, Aging and Long Term Care Committee members only. Vote #19: Senate committee vote on passage of AB 499. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee members only. Vote #18: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 138. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Health, Families, Aging and Long Term Care Committee members only. Vote #17: Senate committee vote on passage of AB 207. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Health, Families, Aging and Long Term Care Committee members only. Vote #16: Joint committee vote on Motion #599 to the state budget (AB 100) which diverted state and federal funds for family planning services from organizations that provide and promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. The Department of Health and Family Services would be required to give preference to local health departments or tribal health centers that directly provide family planning services. Any remaining funds may be allocated to private organizations. Motion passed, 11-5 (WRL position prevailed). Joint Finance Committee members only. Vote #15: Senate floor vote on passage of SB 46. Failed to pass, 13-20 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #14: Senate floor vote on tabling SB 552. Tabled, 17-16 (WRL position did not prevail). Vote #13: Senate floor vote on passage of AB 270. Passed, 33-0 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #12: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 499 which allowed human embryos to be created by cloning and then destroyed for medical experiments.WRL opposed this amendment because a law that only bans human cloning for the purpose of reproduction would lead to the absurd result that living human embryos created by cloning who are not implanted in a woman’s womb must be killed. Amendment tabled, 17-16 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #11: Senate floor vote on passage of SB 138. Passed, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #10: Senate floor vote on passage of AB 207. Passed, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #9: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to refer the patient to a person who will participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #8: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which replaced Wisconsin’s definition of a “contraceptive article” (which is not covered by AB 207) with a reference to contraceptive articles “that have been approved by the federal food and drug administration.” WRL opposed this amendment because the Wisconsin definition of “contraceptive article” is clearly limited to drugs and devices that “prevent a pregnancy” and the reference to FDA approval is so vague that it could someday include RU-486, the abortion pill. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #7: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which allowed an employer to force an employee to engage in an activity protected by AB 207 if the employee’s refusal to participate would pose an undue hardship on the employer’s business. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have gutted the bill. An “undue hardship” exception should not be allowed in a situation involving the intentional destruction of a human life. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). an activity protected by AB 207. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have discriminated against physicians and pharmacists who exercise their conscience rights under AB 207. No other employee would be required to post a notice of what they refuse to do. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
Explanation of Key State Senate Votes 2005-2006 Session Key Senate votes are recorded for the following bills: AB 207 – The Conscience Protection Act protects the conscience rights of employees, health care professionals, health care facilities, medical students, and medical schools so they cannot be forced to participate in activities that cause the deliberate destruction of human life.The activities in this legislation for which conscience rights can be invoked are abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, unethical research involving the deliberate destruction of human embryos, and the use of fetal tissue from aborted babies. This legislation does not ban any of these activities. AB 207 simply protects a particular person or facility, who believes it is their mission to treat and heal, from being forced to participate in the deliberate destruction of human life. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Conscience Protection Act. The authors of AB 207 are Representative Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) and Senator Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh). AB 207 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. AB 270 – The Cord Blood Donation Act creates mechanisms for informing pregnant women that they can donate their babies’ umbilical cord blood after birth to an approved cord blood bank. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells and over 60 diseases and conditions have been successfully treated with the use of the stem cells from cord blood. Thousands of patients have seen tremendous results in the treatment of malfunctioning immune systems, spinal cord injuries, leukemia and other cancers, the replacement of cells destroyed by cancer treatment, strokes and many other diseases and conditions.Wisconsin Right to Life strongly supports the use of stem cells from cord blood because it does not involve the destruction of human life.The authors of AB 270 are Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 270 was passed by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor. AB 499 – The Ban on Human Cloning bans all human cloning, including the cloning of human embryos for the purpose of destroying them for medical experiments. This legislation is opposed by the biotech industry and the University of Wisconsin. The opponents of the ban on human cloning legislation unsuccessfully tried to add a “clone and kill” amendment to the bill which would have rendered the bill meaningless by allowing human embryos to be created by cloning and then destroyed for medical experiments. All legislators were clearly informed that Wisconsin Right to Life would consider a vote for a “clone and kill” amendment or any other gutting amendment to be a vote against the entire bill. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting AB 499. The authors of AB 499 are Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 499 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. SB 46 – The Campaign Finance legislation makes numerous changes in Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws, including a provision requiring any organization, such as Wisconsin Right to Life, which publishes, disseminates or broadcasts any communication that includes the name or likeness of a candidate for state or local office within 30 days of a primary election or within 60 days of a general election, to comply with registration and reporting requirements. This regulation of issue advocacy infringes on our 1st Amendment constitutional rights of free speech and association. Wisconsin Right to Life is one of the lead organizations opposing this Campaign Finance legislation.The authors of SB 46 are Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) and Representative Steve Freese (R-Dodgeville).The State Senate failed to pass SB 46. SB 138 – The Wisconsin Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act ensures that women who are considering an abortion of an unborn child who is at 20 weeks gestation or older are fully informed about the pain that can be experienced by their unborn child during the abortion procedure. There is substantial scientific evidence that unborn babies, who are at 20 weeks gestation or older, have the capacity to feel pain and that the various abortion methods used at this stage of development can inflict excruciating pain on the unborn baby. Women who are considering abortion at 20 weeks gestation or more have a right to know that their unborn child can experience pain.Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act.The authors of SB 138 are Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Rep. Ann Nischke (R-Waukesha). SB 138 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. SB 552 – Senate Bill 552 places age limits on the use of certain federal family planning funds so those funds would only be used to provide services to women who are 18 years of age or older. SB 552 prevents Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide or promote abortion from using these particular federal tax dollars to promote abortion among teens and refer them for abortions. Wisconsin Right to Life supports SB 552.The authors of SB 552 are Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin). SB 552 was tabled by the State Senate. Motion #599 – This motion created an amendment to the state budget (AB 100) which diverts state and federal funds for family planning services from organizations that provide and promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. The Department of Health and Family Services would be required to give preference to local health departments or tribal health centers for this funding. Any remaining funds may be allocated to private organizations.Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Family Planning Services Funding Preference motion.The author of Motion #599 is Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), a member of the Joint Finance Committee. The motion passed and the provision remained in the state budget that was forwarded to the governor. The Family Planning Services Funding Preference was line item vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. Vote #1: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person to participate in the starvation or dehydration of a patient who is in a persistent vegetative state, where the withholding or withdrawal is ordered by a court, and the person refuses to transfer the patient to another person who will comply with the court order. WRL opposed this Terri Schiavo-type of amendment because it gutted the conscience protection for “intentionally causing the death of an individual who is not in a terminal condition … by withholding or withdrawing nutrition or hydration” which is intended to apply to a disabled patient like Terri Schiavo. Amendment tabled, 20-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #2: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person who refuses to participate in an abortion to make a referral for an abortion that is “necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.” WRL opposed this amendment because a “health exception” would have gutted the bill. The US Supreme Court has defined a health exception for abortion so broadly that it applies to any abortion for any reason during any stage of a woman’s pregnancy. Also, a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in an abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #3: Senate floor vote to reject an amendment to AB 207 which forced a physician who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to transfer or refer the patient to another physician who does not refuse to participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment rejected, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #4: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which removed the professional immunity provisions that protect health care professionals from being reprimanded, suspended, or having their license revoked by the regulatory board responsible for that profession. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have caused health care professionals who exercise their conscience rights to face professional sanctions. Professional immunity is one of the major legal protections provided in AB 207. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #5: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a pharmacist who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to transfer or refer the patient to another pharmacist who does not refuse to participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life pharmacist who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as assisted suicide should not be required to help the patient locate another pharmacist who will participate in the activity since that would make the pro-life pharmacist complicit in the act of assisted suicide. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #6: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced physicians and pharmacists to post a notice at their place of employment stating that they refuse to participate in a practice related to
X = Voted in favor of the WRL position O = Voted against the WRL position A = Absent or not voting
UNFOLD BROCHURE COMPLETELY FOR ASSEMBLY VOTES
HOW THEY VOTED 13%
88%
X
79%
O
X
O
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
13%
80%
17%
100%
100% 13% 93%
13%
100%
13%
LEIBHAM, Joseph (R-9)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
MILLER, Mark (D-16)
OLSEN, Luther (R-14) PLALE, Jeff (D-7)
REYNOLDS, Tom (R-5)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
ROESSLER, Carol (R-18)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
SCHULTZ, Dale (R-17)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
TAYLOR, Lena (D-4)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X O
WIRCH, Robert (D-22) ZIEN, David (R-23)
O O 12%
88%
X X X X X X X X X X X O X O X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O O
STEPP, Cathy (R-21)
100%
X X X X X X X X X X X X X O O X
RISSER, Fred (D-26)
ROBSON, Judith (D-15)
100%
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
O
X
O X
X
SB 46 – The Campaign Finance legislation makes numerous changes in Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws, including a provision requiring any organization, such as Wisconsin Right to Life, which publishes, disseminates or broadcasts any communication that includes the name or likeness of a candidate for state or local office within 30 days of a primary election or within 60 days of a general election, to comply with registration and reporting requirements. This regulation of issue advocacy infringes on our 1st Amendment constitutional rights of free speech and association. Wisconsin Right to Life is one of the lead organizations opposing this Campaign Finance legislation.The authors of SB 46 are Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) and Representative Steve Freese (R-Dodgeville).The State Senate failed to pass SB 46. SB 138 – The Wisconsin Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act ensures that women who are considering an abortion of an unborn child who is at 20 weeks gestation or older are fully informed about the pain that can be experienced by their unborn child during the abortion procedure. There is substantial scientific evidence that unborn babies, who are at 20 weeks gestation or older, have the capacity to feel pain and that the various abortion methods used at this stage of development can inflict excruciating pain on the unborn baby. Women who are considering abortion at 20 weeks gestation or more have a right to know that their unborn child can experience pain.Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act.The authors of SB 138 are Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Rep. Ann Nischke (R-Waukesha). SB 138 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle.
Vote #1: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person to participate in the starvation or dehydration of a patient who is in a persistent vegetative state, where the withholding or withdrawal is ordered by a court, and the person refuses to transfer the patient to another person who will comply with the court order. WRL opposed this Terri Schiavo-type of amendment because it gutted the conscience protection for “intentionally causing the death of an individual who is not in a terminal condition … by withholding or withdrawing nutrition or hydration” which is intended to apply to a disabled patient like Terri Schiavo. Amendment tabled, 20-12 (WRL position prevailed).
87%
Vote #2: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person who refuses to participate in an abortion to make a referral for an abortion that is “necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.” WRL opposed this amendment because a “health exception” would have gutted the bill. The US Supreme Court has defined a health exception for abortion so broadly that it applies to any abortion for any reason during any stage of a woman’s pregnancy. Also, a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in an abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
O 6%
Vote #3: Senate floor vote to reject an amendment to AB 207 which forced a physician who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to transfer or refer the patient to another physician who does not refuse to participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment rejected, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
95%
Vote #4: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which removed the professional immunity provisions that protect health care professionals from being reprimanded, suspended, or having their license revoked by the regulatory board responsible for that profession. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have caused health care professionals who exercise their conscience rights to face professional sanctions. Professional immunity is one of the major legal protections provided in AB 207. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
100%
Vote #5: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a pharmacist who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to transfer or refer the patient to another pharmacist who does not refuse to participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life pharmacist who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as assisted suicide should not be required to help the patient locate another pharmacist who will participate in the activity since that would make the pro-life pharmacist complicit in the act of assisted suicide. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
100% 13%
X X X X
AB 499 – The Ban on Human Cloning bans all human cloning, including the cloning of human embryos for the purpose of destroying them for medical experiments. This legislation is opposed by the biotech industry and the University of Wisconsin. The opponents of the ban on human cloning legislation unsuccessfully tried to add a “clone and kill” amendment to the bill which would have rendered the bill meaningless by allowing human embryos to be created by cloning and then destroyed for medical experiments. All legislators were clearly informed that Wisconsin Right to Life would consider a vote for a “clone and kill” amendment or any other gutting amendment to be a vote against the entire bill. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting AB 499. The authors of AB 499 are Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 499 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle.
Motion #599 – This motion created an amendment to the state budget (AB 100) which diverts state and federal funds for family planning services from organizations that provide and promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. The Department of Health and Family Services would be required to give preference to local health departments or tribal health centers for this funding. Any remaining funds may be allocated to private organizations.Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Family Planning Services Funding Preference motion.The author of Motion #599 is Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), a member of the Joint Finance Committee. The motion passed and the provision remained in the state budget that was forwarded to the governor. The Family Planning Services Funding Preference was line item vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle.
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
AB 270 – The Cord Blood Donation Act creates mechanisms for informing pregnant women that they can donate their babies’ umbilical cord blood after birth to an approved cord blood bank. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells and over 60 diseases and conditions have been successfully treated with the use of the stem cells from cord blood. Thousands of patients have seen tremendous results in the treatment of malfunctioning immune systems, spinal cord injuries, leukemia and other cancers, the replacement of cells destroyed by cancer treatment, strokes and many other diseases and conditions.Wisconsin Right to Life strongly supports the use of stem cells from cord blood because it does not involve the destruction of human life.The authors of AB 270 are Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 270 was passed by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor.
O 88%
LASSA, Julie (D-24)
LAZICH, Mary (R-28)
AB 207 – The Conscience Protection Act protects the conscience rights of employees, health care professionals, health care facilities, medical students, and medical schools so they cannot be forced to participate in activities that cause the deliberate destruction of human life.The activities in this legislation for which conscience rights can be invoked are abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, unethical research involving the deliberate destruction of human embryos, and the use of fetal tissue from aborted babies. This legislation does not ban any of these activities. AB 207 simply protects a particular person or facility, who believes it is their mission to treat and heal, from being forced to participate in the deliberate destruction of human life. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Conscience Protection Act. The authors of AB 207 are Representative Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) and Senator Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh). AB 207 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle.
SB 552 – Senate Bill 552 places age limits on the use of certain federal family planning funds so those funds would only be used to provide services to women who are 18 years of age or older. SB 552 prevents Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide or promote abortion from using these particular federal tax dollars to promote abortion among teens and refer them for abortions. Wisconsin Right to Life supports SB 552.The authors of SB 552 are Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin). SB 552 was tabled by the State Senate.
O 94%
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
Key Senate votes are recorded for the following bills:
93%
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
LASEE, Alan (R-1)
an activity protected by AB 207. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have discriminated against physicians and pharmacists who exercise their conscience rights under AB 207. No other employee would be required to post a notice of what they refuse to do. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
The “How They Voted” brochure is compiled by the Wisconsin Right to Life Political Action Committee after the completion of each twoyear state legislative session. This brochure includes the actual voting records of incumbent state legislators on key right-to-life legislative issues. This information is intended to provide information to individuals who may wish to consider the voting records of incumbents at election time.
KEDZIE, Neal (R-11)
Vote #7: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which allowed an employer to force an employee to engage in an activity protected by AB 207 if the employee’s refusal to participate would pose an undue hardship on the employer’s business. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have gutted the bill. An “undue hardship” exception should not be allowed in a situation involving the intentional destruction of a human life. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
Pro-Life Voting Records X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
Vote #8: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which replaced Wisconsin’s definition of a “contraceptive article” (which is not covered by AB 207) with a reference to contraceptive articles “that have been approved by the federal food and drug administration.” WRL opposed this amendment because the Wisconsin definition of “contraceptive article” is clearly limited to drugs and devices that “prevent a pregnancy” and the reference to FDA approval is so vague that it could someday include RU-486, the abortion pill. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE 2005-2006 Session 2001–2002 Session
This brochure and other important electionrelated information can be found at the Wisconsin Right to Life website at www.wrtl.org.
KAPANKE, Dan (R-32)
Vote #9: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to refer the patient to a person who will participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
KANAVAS, Ted (R-33)
X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O
JAUCH, Robert (D-25)
Vote #10: Senate floor vote on passage of AB 207. Passed, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
For voting records of federal candidates, visit the website of the National Right to Life Committee at www.nrlc.org.
HARSDORF, Sheila (R-10)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
Vote #11: Senate floor vote on passage of SB 138. Passed, 21-12 (WRL position prevailed).
HANSEN, Dave (D-30)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Vote #12: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 499 which allowed human embryos to be created by cloning and then destroyed for medical experiments.WRL opposed this amendment because a law that only bans human cloning for the purpose of reproduction would lead to the absurd result that living human embryos created by cloning who are not implanted in a woman’s womb must be killed. Amendment tabled, 17-16 (WRL position prevailed).
GROTHMAN, Glenn (R-20)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Vote #13: Senate floor vote on passage of AB 270. Passed, 33-0 (WRL position prevailed).
FITZGERALD, Scott (R-13)
11%
X
O O
Vote #14: Senate floor vote on tabling SB 552. Tabled, 17-16 (WRL position did not prevail).
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
Vote #15: Senate floor vote on passage of SB 46. Failed to pass, 13-20 (WRL position prevailed).
ERPENBACH, Jon (D-27)
A X X X X X X X X X X O X X O
Vote #16: Joint committee vote on Motion #599 to the state budget (AB 100) which diverted state and federal funds for family planning services from organizations that provide and promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. The Department of Health and Family Services would be required to give preference to local health departments or tribal health centers that directly provide family planning services. Any remaining funds may be allocated to private organizations. Motion passed, 11-5 (WRL position prevailed). Joint Finance Committee members only.
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X O
89%
X
X X X X X X X X X X X O X O O O X X
DECKER, Russell (D-29) ELLIS, Michael (R-19)
X
X X X X X X X X X X X O X X O X
Vote #17: Senate committee vote on passage of AB 207. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Health, Families, Aging and Long Term Care Committee members only.
DARLING, Alberta (R-8)
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O X
X X
O O
Vote #18: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 138. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Health, Families, Aging and Long Term Care Committee members only.
Since the mid-1970s, the enactment of all pro-life laws in Wisconsin has been the result of the work of Wisconsin Right to Life. Wisconsin Right to Life has been the cornerstone of the pro-life movement in Wisconsin, acting on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society, for 38 years. Other pro-life groups form, but Wisconsin Right to Life remains as the organization legislators and citizens look to for leadership in building a culture of life. Wisconsin Right to Life is proud of its leadership, record, and heritage as the primary protector of human rights in Wisconsin. For more information about right-tolife legislation in the State of Wisconsin, visit the Legislative Information Center on the Wisconsin Right to Life website at www.wrtl.org. COWLES, Robert (R-2)
X X X X X X X X X X X X X O O
Vote #19: Senate committee vote on passage of AB 499. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee members only.
COGGS, Spencer (D-6)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 % RATING X X X X X X X X X X X X X O X 93%
O O O O O O O O O O O O X O O
Vote #20: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 270. Passage recommended, 5-0 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Health, Families, Aging and Long Term Care Committee members only.
Wisconsin Right to Life W Political Action Committee
CARPENTER, Tim (D-3)
Vote #21: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 552. Passage recommended, 3-2 (WRL position prevailed). Senate Review of Administrative Rules Committee members only.
BROWN, Ronald (R-31)
Vote #22: Senate committee vote on passage of SB 46. Passage recommended, 5-0 (WRL position did not prevail). Senate Campaign Finance and Ethics Committee members only.
BRESKE, Roger (D-12)
% RATING: The pro-life voting percentage for each Senator is a straight average.
Compiled by the Wisconsin Right to Life Political Action Committe
10625 West North Avenue, Suite LL Milwaukee, WI 53226-2331 PHONE: (414) 778-5780 FAX: (414) 778-5785 EMAIL:
[email protected] www.wrtl.org
Senator VOTE:
UNFOLD BROCHURE COMPLETELY FOR ASSEMBLY VOTES
Explanation of Key State Senate Votes 2005-2006 Session
2005-2006 Session
93%
12%
13%
Vote #6: Senate floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced physicians and pharmacists to post a notice at their place of employment stating that they refuse to participate in a practice related to
94%
X = Voted in favor of the WRL position O = Voted against the WRL position A = Absent or not voting
UNFOLD BROCHURE COMPLETELY FOR ASSEMBLY VOTES
2005-2006 SESSION Representative VOTE: 1 AINSWORTH, John (R-6) O ALBERS, Sheryl (R-50) X BALLWEG, Joan (R-41) A BENEDICT, Chuck (D-45) O BERCEAU, Terese (D-76) A BIES, Garey (R-1) X BLACK, Spencer (D-77) O BOYLE, Frank (D-73) O COLON, Pedro (D-8) O CULLEN, David (D-13) PO DAVIS, Brett (R-80) O FIELDS, Jason (D-11) O FITZGERALD, Jeff (R-39) X FREESE, Stephen (R-51) X FRISKE, Donald (R-35) X GARD, John (R-89) X GIELOW, Curt (R-23) X GOTTLIEB, Mark (R-60) X GRIGSBY, Tamara (D-18) O GRONEMUS, Barbara (D-91) O GUNDERSON, Scott (R-83) X GUNDRUM, Mark (R-84) X HAHN, Eugene (R-47) X HEBL, Gary (D-46) O HINES, J.A. (R-42) A
2 O X A O A X O O O PO O O X X X X X X O O X X X O A
3 X X A O A X O O O PO X O X X X X X X O O X X X O A
4 O X A O A X O O O PO X O X X X X X X O O X X X O A
5 X X A O A X O O O PO X O X X X X X X O O X X X O A
6 X X A O A X O O O PO O O X X X X X X O O X X X O A
7 O X PX O PO X O O O PO X O X X X X X X O O X X X O PX
8 X X X O O X O O O O X O X X X X X X O O X X X O X
9 O X X O A X O O O O X O X X X X X X O O X X X O X
10 X X X X A X O O X X X X X X X X X X O X X X X X X
11 O X X O O X O O O O X O X X X X X X A O X X X O X
12 X A X O O X O O O O X O X X X X X X O PO X X X O X
13
Representative VOTE: HONADEL, Mark (R-21) HUBLER, Mary (D-75) HUEBSCH, Michael (R-94) HUNDERTMARK, Jean (R-40) JENSEN, Scott (R-98) JESKEWITZ, Suzanne (R-24) KAUFERT, Dean (R-55) KERKMAN, Samantha (R-66) KESSLER, Frederick (D-12) KESTELL, Steve (R-27) KLEEFISCH, Joel (R-38) KRAWCZYK, Judy (R-88) KREIBICH, Robin (R-93) KREUSER, James (D-64) KRUSICK, Peggy (D-7) LAMB, Andy (R-29) LASEE, Frank (R-2) LEHMAN, John (D-62) LEMAHIEU, Daniel (R-59) LOEFFELHOLZ, Gabe (R-49) LOTHIAN, Thomas (R-32) MCCORMICK, Terri (R-56) MEYER, Dan (R-34) MOLEPSKE JR, Louis (D-71) MONTGOMERY, Phil (R-4)
1 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
2 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
3 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
4 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
5 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
6 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
7 X O X X X X X X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
8 X O X X X X X X O X X X X PO X X X O X X X X X O X
9 X O X X X X O X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
10 X X X X X X X X O X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
11 X O X X X X O X O X X X X O X X X O X X X X X O X
12 X O X X X X X X O X X X PX O X X X O X X X X X O X
13
Representative VOTE: MOULTON, Terry (R-68) MURSAU Jeffrey (R-36) MUSSER, Terry (R-92) NASS, Stephen (R-31) NELSON, Tom (D-5) NERISON, Lee (R-96) NISCHKE, Ann (R-97) OTT, Alvin (R-3) OWENS, Carol (R-53) PARISI, Joe (D-48) PETROWSKI, Jerry (R-86) PETTIS, Mark (R-28) POCAN, Mark (D-78) POPE-ROBERTS, Sondy (D-79) PRIDEMORE, Don (R-99) RHOADES, Kitty (R-30) RICHARDS, Jon (D-19) SCHNEIDER, Marlin (D-72) SEIDEL, Donna (D-85) SHERIDAN, Mike (D-44) SHERMAN, Gary (D-74) SHILLING, Jennifer (D-95) SINICKI, Christine (D-20) STASKUNAS, Tony (D-15) STEINBRINK, John (D-65)
1 X X O X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
2 X X O X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
3 X X X X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
4 X X O X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
5 X X O X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
6 X X X X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
7 X X X X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
8 X X PX X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
9 X X O X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
10 X X X X X X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O X X O X O
11 X X X X O X X X X O X X O O X X O A O O O O A X O
12 X X X X O X X X X O X X O O X X O O O O O O O X O
13
Representative VOTE: 1 STONE, Jeff (R-82) X STRACHOTA, Pat (R-58) X SUDER, Scott (R-69) X TOLES, Barbara (D-17) O TOWNS, Debi (R-43) X TOWNSEND, John (R-52) X TRAVIS, David (D-81) O TURNER, Robert (D-61) O UNDERHEIM, Gregg (R-54) X VAN AKKEREN, Terry (D-26) O VAN ROY, Karl (R-90) X VOS, Robin (R-63) X VRAKAS, Daniel (R-33) X VRUWINK, Amy Sue (D-70) O VUKMIR, Leah (R-14) X WARD, David (R-37) X WASSERMAN, Sheldon (D-22) O WIECKERT, Steve (R-57) X WILLIAMS, Annette (D-10) O WILLIAMS, Mary (R-87) X WOOD, Jeffrey (R-67) X YOUNG, Leon (D-16) O ZEPNICK, Josh (D-9) O ZIEGELBAUER, Bob (D-25) PX
2 X X X O X X O O X O X X X O X O O X O X X O O PX
3 X X X O X X O O X O X X X O X X O X X X X O O PX
4 X X X O X X O O X O X X X O X X O X O X X O O PX
5 X X X O X X O O X O X X X O X X O X O X X O O PX
6 X X X O X X O O X O X X X O X X O X O X X O O PX
7 X X X O X X O O X O X X X O X X O X X X X O PO PX
8 X X X O X X O O X O X X
9 X X X O X X O O O O X X X O X O O X O X X O O X
10 X X X O X X O X X X X X X O X X O X X X X O X O
11 X X X O X X O O O X X X X O X O O X O X X O O X
12 X X X O X X O O X O X X
13 X
O X A O X X X X O O X
O X X O X X X X O O X
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
X O
X
O
X
X
X O
X
X O
14
15
16
17
X
X
X
X
18
19
X
X
20
21
X O
O
X
X X X
X X X
X
X X
14
15
16
X
X
X
17 X
18
O
19 X
20
21
X
O X X
O O
O
O
O
O
O
A
X A X
14
15
16
17
18
X
19
20
21
X
O O X O
O
O
X X
X X
X X
X
X A A
X
X X X
X X
X
X
O X
O X
O
% RATING 50% 100% 100% 14% 0% 100% 0% 0% 8% 8% 75% 8% 100% 92% 100% 100% 100% 100% 0% 8% 100% 100% 100% 8% 100% % RATING 100% 8% 100% 100% 100% 100% 85% 100% 0% 100% 100% 100% 100% 8% 100% 100% 100% 8% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 8% 100% % RATING 100% 100% 58% 100% 14% 100% 100% 100% 100% 0% 100% 100% 0% 0% 100% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 8% 15% 0% 100% 0% % RATING 100% 100% 100% 0% 100% 100% 0% 8% 86% 13% 100% 100% 100% 8% 100% 75% 0% 100% 42% 100% 92% 0% 8% 92%
Vote #8: Assembly floor vote on passage of SB 138. Passed, 62-35 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #9: Assembly floor vote to table a “clone and kill” amendment to AB 499 which allowed human embryos to be created by cloning and then destroyed for medical experiments. WRL opposed this amendment because a law that only bans human cloning for the purpose of reproduction would lead to the absurd result that living human embryos created by cloning who are not implanted in a woman’s womb must be killed. Amendment tabled, 58-40 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #10: Assembly floor vote on passage of AB 270. Passed, 79-19 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #11: Assembly floor vote on adoption of an amendment to AB 206 which prevented a tax credit for research conducted in this state by a corporation from applying to businesses involved in the destruction of human embryos, the use of cells or tissue derived from the destruction of human embryos, the creation of human embryos for research purposes, or the cloning of human embryos for any purpose. Adopted, 60-36 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #12: Assembly floor vote on passage of AB 175. Passed, 62-35 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #13: Joint committee vote on Motion #599 to the state budget (AB 100) which diverted state and federal funds for family planning services from organizations that provide and promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. The Department of Health and Family Services would be required to give preference to local health departments or tribal health centers that directly provide family planning services. Any remaining funds may be allocated to private organizations. Motion passed, 11-5 (WRL position prevailed). Joint Finance Committee members only. Vote #14: Assembly committee vote to adopt an amendment which allowed an employer to force an employee to engage in an activity protected by AB 207 if the employee’s refusal to participate would pose an undue hardship on the employer’s business. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have gutted the bill. An “undue hardship” exception should not be allowed in a situation involving the intentional destruction of a human life. Amendment not adopted, 6-3 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Labor Committee members only. Vote #15: Assembly committee vote to adopt an amendment which replaced Wisconsin’s definition of a “contraceptive article” (which is not covered by AB 207) with a reference to contraceptive articles “that have been approved by the federal food and drug administration.” WRL opposed this amendment because the Wisconsin definition of “contraceptive article” is clearly limited to drugs and devices that “prevent a pregnancy” and the reference to FDA approval is so vague that it could someday include RU-486, the abortion pill. Amendment not adopted, 6-3 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Labor Committee members only. Vote #16: Assembly committee vote to recommend passage of AB 207. Passage recommended, 6-3 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Labor Committee members only. Vote #17: Assembly committee vote to recommend passage of SB 138. Passage recommended, 7-3 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Health Committee members only. Vote #18: Assembly committee vote to recommend passage of AB 499. Passage recommended, 5-2 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Children and Families Committee members only. Vote #19: Assembly committee vote to recommend passage of AB 270. Passage recommended, 12-1 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Health Committee members only. Vote #20: Assembly committee vote to recommend passage of AB 175. Passage recommended, 6-2 (WRL position prevailed). Assembly Judiciary Committee members only. Vote #21: Assembly committee vote to recommend passage of AB 226. Passage recommended, 4-2 (WRL position did not prevail). Assembly Campaign and Elections Committee members only. % RATING: The pro-life voting percentage for each Assembly Representative is a straight average.
Explanation of Key State Assembly Votes 2005-2006 Session Key Assembly votes are recorded for the following bills: AB 175 – The Parental Consent for Abortion Clean-Up Act strengthens Wisconsin’s parental consent for abortion law that was enacted in 1992. This legislation adds a notarization requirement for a parent’s signature on the abortion consent form in order to prevent fraudulent signatures and protect parental rights. This legislation also removes certain loopholes in the current law such as a provision that permits adult family members other than parents to consent for a minor’s abortion, and a provision that allows a minor to avoid the parental consent requirement by falsely claiming she is suicidal. This legislation recognizes the right of parents to be involved in the irreversible, life-altering decision of whether their minor daughter should obtain an abortion. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Parental Consent for Abortion Clean-Up Act. The authors of AB 175 are Representative Leah Vukmir (RWauwatosa) and Senator Joseph Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 175 was passed by the State Assembly, but was not acted upon by the State Senate. AB 206 – This legislation creates an income and franchise tax credit for research conducted in this state by a corporation. AB 206 provides an economic incentive for research, but since there are no restrictions on what kind of research the tax credit created by AB 206 would cover, it could apply to research that involves the destruction of human embryos. Wisconsin Right to Life supported an amendment to AB 206 which would prevent this tax credit from applying to businesses involved in the destruction of human embryos, the use of cells or tissue derived from the destruction of human embryos, the creation of human embryos for research purposes, or the cloning of human embryos for any purpose.The author of Assembly Amendment 1 to AB 206 that would prevent the tax credit from being applied to research that involves the destruction of human embryos is Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake). The State Assembly adopted AA 1 and passed AB 206, as amended. AB 206 was not acted upon by the State Senate. AB 207 – The Conscience Protection Act protects the conscience rights of employees, health care professionals, health care facilities, medical students, and medical schools so they cannot be forced to participate in activities that cause the deliberate destruction of human life. The activities in this legislation for which conscience rights can be invoked are abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, unethical research involving the deliberate destruction of human embryos, and the use of fetal tissue from aborted babies. This legislation does not ban any of these activities. AB 207 simply protects a particular person or facility, who believes it is their mission to treat and heal, from being forced to participate in the deliberate destruction of human life. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Conscience Protection Act. The authors of AB 207 are Representative Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) and Senator Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh). AB 207 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. AB 226 – The Campaign Finance legislation makes numerous changes in Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws, including a provision requiring any organization, such as Wisconsin Right to Life, which publishes, disseminates or broadcasts any communication that includes the name or likeness of a candidate for state or local office within 30 days of a primary election or within 60 days of a general election, to comply with registration and reporting requirements. This regulation of issue advocacy infringes on our 1st Amendment constitutional rights of free speech and association. Wisconsin Right to Life is one of the lead organizations opposing this Campaign Finance legislation. The authors of AB 226 are Representative Steve Freese (R-Dodgeville) and Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah). AB 226 was recommended for passage by the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections, but was not acted upon by the full State Assembly AB 270 – The Cord Blood Donation Act creates mechanisms for informing pregnant women that they can donate their babies’ umbilical cord blood after birth to an approved cord blood bank. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells and over 60 diseases and conditions have been successfully treated with the use of the stem cells from cord blood. Thousands of patients have seen tremendous results in the treatment of malfunctioning immune systems, spinal cord injuries, leukemia and other cancers, the replacement of cells destroyed by cancer treatment, strokes and many other diseases and conditions. Wisconsin Right to Life strongly supports the use of stem cells from cord blood because it does not involve the destruction of human life. The authors of AB 270 are Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 270 was passed by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor. AB 499 – The Ban on Human Cloning bans all human cloning, including the cloning of human embryos for the purpose of destroying them for medical experiments. This legislation is opposed by the biotech industry and the University of Wisconsin. The opponents of the ban on human cloning legislation unsuccessfully tried to add a “clone and kill” amendment to the bill which would have rendered the bill meaningless by allowing human embryos to be created by cloning and then destroyed for medical experiments. All legislators were clearly informed that Wisconsin Right to Life would consider a vote for a “clone and kill” amendment or any other gutting amendment to be a vote against the entire bill. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting AB 499. The authors of AB 499 are Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan). AB 499 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle.
SB 138 – The Wisconsin Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act ensures that women who are considering an abortion of an unborn child who is at 20 weeks gestation or older are fully informed about the pain that can be experienced by their unborn child during the abortion procedure. There is substantial scientific evidence that unborn babies, who are at 20 weeks gestation or older, have the capacity to feel pain and that the various abortion methods used at this stage of development can inflict excruciating pain on the unborn baby. Women who are considering abortion at 20 weeks gestation or more have a right to know that their unborn child can experience pain. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act. The authors of SB 138 are Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Rep. Ann Nischke (R-Waukesha). SB 138 was passed by the legislature; however, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. Motion #599 – This motion created an amendment to the state budget (AB 100) which diverts state and federal funds for family planning services from organizations that provide and promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. The Department of Health and Family Services would be required to give preference to local health departments or tribal health centers for this funding. Any remaining funds may be allocated to private organizations. Wisconsin Right to Life is the lead organization promoting the Family Planning Services Funding Preference motion. The author of Motion #599 is Senator Mary Lazich (RNew Berlin), a member of the Joint Finance Committee. The motion passed and the provision remained in the state budget that was forwarded to the governor. The Family Planning Services Funding Preference was line item vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle. Vote #1: Assembly floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person to participate in the starvation or dehydration of a patient who is in a persistent vegetative state, where the withholding or withdrawal is ordered by a court, and the person refuses to transfer the patient to another person who will comply with the court order. WRL opposed this Terri Schiavo-type of amendment because it gutted the conscience protection for “intentionally causing the death of an individual who is not in a terminal condition … by withholding or withdrawing nutrition or hydration” which is intended to apply to a disabled patient like Terri Schiavo. Amendment tabled, 58-38 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #2: Assembly floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to refer the patient to a person who will participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 57-39 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #3: Assembly floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which removed the professional immunity provisions that protect health care professionals from being reprimanded, suspended, or having their license revoked by the regulatory board responsible for that profession. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have caused health care professionals who exercise their conscience rights to face professional sanctions. Professional immunity is one of the major legal protections provided in AB 207. Amendment tabled, 6234 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #4: Assembly floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a physician who refuses to participate in any of the activities protected by AB 207 to transfer or refer the patient to another physician who does not refuse to participate in the activity. WRL opposed this amendment because a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in a protected activity such as abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the pro-life physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 59-37 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #5: Assembly floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced physicians and pharmacists to post a notice at their place of employment stating that they refuse to participate in a practice related to an activity protected by AB 207. WRL opposed this amendment because it would have discriminated against physicians and pharmacists who exercise their conscience rights under AB 207. No other employee would be required to post a notice of what they refuse to do. Amendment tabled, 59-37 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #6: Assembly floor vote to table an amendment to AB 207 which forced a person who refuses to participate in an abortion to make a referral for an abortion that is “necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.” WRL opposed this amendment because a health exception would have gutted the bill. The US Supreme Court has defined a “health exception” for abortion so broadly that it applies to any abortion for any reason during any stage of a woman’s pregnancy. Also, a pro-life physician who refuses to participate in an abortion should not be required to help the patient locate an abortion provider since that would make the prolife physician complicit in the act of abortion. Amendment tabled, 60-36 (WRL position prevailed). Vote #7: Assembly floor vote on passage of AB 207. Passed, 63-36 (WRL position prevailed). X O PX PO A
= Voted in favor of the WRL position = Voted against the WRL position = Paired vote in favor of the WRL position = Paired vote against the WRL position = Absent or not voting
