Debate reignited: Protesters decry, supporters celebrate resumption of abortion services in Milwaukee and Madison

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Abortion services resumed in the state of Wisconsin Monday, Sept. 18, after they were paused for nearly 15 months after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

For thousands of women and families, Monday marked the return of critical health care services. But many pro-life supporters are protesting, claiming the abortion services are still illegal.

On Monday morning, more than a dozen pro-life supporters protested outside the Milwaukee Planned Parenthood location on Water Street. More protesters gathered outside the Madison location. Those are the only two locations in the state offering abortion services right now.

"I'm here today to defend a woman's right to health care," said pro-choice supporter, Brian.

"In 1849, there was a law in the books in Wisconsin that what they're doing right now, in this building, is totally illegal," said Remmy LeBlansc, pro-life supporter.

But legal analysts disagree.

A Dane County judge's July ruling on the state's 1849 feticide law was enough to convince Planned Parenthood to move forward.

President and CEO Tanya Atkinson said, "The Dane County Circuit Court twice now has made it very clear that the law in question is not applicable to voluntary abortions."

Atkinson's team acted quickly to lawfully reinstate those services. She said, "Because it is so needed, there was no reason to wait."

Appointments at the Water Street location filled up in 24 hours.

"For people to be able to access this really essential care in their backyard. It's critical and it's what people deserve," said Atkinson.

But that ruling only reignited the debate.

Pro-life groups like Wisconsin Right to Life say Monday was a setback.

"There's a heaviness knowing that we now are in a Wisconsin where abortion services are being provided, because we know every time there's an abortion, we know a life is lost," said Gracie Skogman, legislative director of Wisconsin Right to Life.

Similar scenes played out in Madison.

Matt Sande, the director of legislation for Pro-Life Wisconsin, said, "We are obviously very sad. This is Black Monday for us."

But pro-choice supporter Kim said, "I believe every woman and every person who could become pregnant needs to have that same right to control their own body."

On Monday evening in Milwaukee, dozens of pro-choice advocates chanted, "Reproductive rights are here to stay!" at the steps of the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

They celebrated the resumption of services, but also called for those services to be expanded.

Carly Klein, of the group Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee, said, "The efforts of grassroots organizations and nonprofits is really what brought abortion services back to Wisconsin, and the more that we keep applying pressure to politicians and holding them accountable, the more we're going to see positive changes."

Tanya Atkinson said Planned Parenthood will operate its abortion services under the restrictions that were in place in Wisconsin before the Dobbs decision was delivered. That means abortion is banned at 20 weeks, women are required to undergo an ultrasound before an abortion, and they must have a counseling appointment and a 24-hour waiting period.

Atkinson said Planned Parenthood's number one priority is the health and safety of patients and staff, and she said they have a number of rigorous security measures in place at Planned Parenthood locations to keep people safe.

Skogman said Wisconsin Right to Life will continue its fight.