Although Democratic Gov. Tony Evers called on the Wisconsin Legislature to repeal the state's ban on abortion, the Legislature, during a special session, determined that they would not repeal it, drawing praise from pro-life advocates.

Wisconsin Right to Life thanked Senate President Chris Kapenga, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu for standing up to Evers and the pro-abortion lobby.

"940.04 affirms that all lives are valuable and worthy of protection under Wisconsin law, and will allow our state to protect preborn lives if Roe is overturned," Gracie Skogman, legislative director of Wisconsin Right to Life, said in a press release this week. "As 940.04 withstood another challenge, we are grateful for our representatives who continue to safeguard this life-saving statute."

Wisconsin Right to Life is a Catholic nonprofit organization that advocates for the protection of life from conception until natural death.

Skogman thanked the Wisconsin Legislature for denying the governor's attempt to repeal the state's ban on abortion, saying, "Abortion is not healthcare, and keeping 940.04 in place is yet another step toward creating a culture in Wisconsin that is truly pro-women, pro-babies, and pro-life."

Had the Legislature overturned the ban, it would have run counter to public opinion on abortion. A May 2021 Gallup Poll found that the majority of Americans do not support unrestricted access to abortion. Nearly half (48%) of the respondents said they believe abortion should only be legal under certain circumstances. Meanwhile, 19% said they think abortion should be illegal in all circumstances and 32% said they believe abortion should be legal in all cases. 

Right to Life is dedicated to defending the lives of the unborn through education and legislation. There are more than 3,000 local RTL chapters in addition to 50 statewide affiliates and the national federation.

The Catholic Church has maintained a firm stance against abortion for centuries, regardless of evolving biological theories about when exactly life begins. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) cites the Catechism for guidance on the matter. It says, "'Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law' (No. 2271)."