On fourth anniversary of fall of Roe v Wade, additional potential legal battles over abortion services loom

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wednesday, June 24, marks the fourth anniversary of the US Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case. That ruling effectively overturned Roe v Wade, which protected federal abortion rights.

In the four years since, the state of Wisconsin has seen a lot of changes in abortion rights and access. On the anniversary, groups on all sides of the issue used the anniversary to call for more support for their causes.

Right now, abortion is legal in Wisconsin, even though it's been weakened at the federal level.

Dan Miller is the state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin. He told us, "It was a blessing from the very beginning."

Tanya Atkinson, the president & CEO of Planned Parenthood Wisconsin, told us, "I was devastated. Devastated but not surprised."

The people closest to the abortion issue remember where they were when the Supreme Court's ruling was announced.

The fall of Roe v Wade ignited days of celebration for pro-life advocates and protests from pro-choice supporters.

But it was unclear if Wisconsin's 1849 infanticide law applied to abortion.

Amid legal uncertainty, Planned Parenthood paused abortion services in Wisconsin.

Miller said, "Wisconsin enjoyed 15 months of an abortion-free zone."

Clinics in Milwaukee, Madison, Sheboygan, and Green Bay closed.

Atkinson said, "Women were forced to travel hundreds of miles for care. Patients delayed medical treatment. Families faced uncertainty, fear, and impossible decisions."

Then, in July of 2025, the State Supreme Court ruled the 1849 law was not enforceable. Abortions within 20 weeks were legal again.

Planned Parenthood resumed services at three locations. Two independent providers also reopened.

The state has been in a holding pattern since then.

Pro-Life Wisconsin says they've seen an increase in requests for help at their pregnancy centers, and they offer grants for families.

Miller said, "It's a hand up, not a handout."

Both sides are looking ahead to potential legal battles.

Pro-life advocates want to enshrine an abortion ban in the state constitution, ensuring abortion remains a key election issue. A Republican governor in November would help, but a constitutional amendment does not require the governor's signature.

Miller said, "It's something we can do here just about any time, but we need somebody to sponsor it."

Pro-choice advocates want to remove remaining barriers, like a telehealth ban and prohibitions in some insurance plans.

Atkinson said, "It's a simple principle: You, not the government, should decide what medical care is right for your body, your health, your family, and your future."

Even though abortion is legal in Wisconsin, patients must make two visits—one for counseling—and they must get an ultrasound even if it's not medically necessary.

Planned Parenthood says people are still traveling to Minnesota and Illinois for abortion services because there are fewer restrictions in those states.