The Wisconsin State Senate today passed a bill that requires women who want an abortion to first get a state-mandated, medically unnecessary ultrasound. The bill also requires doctors who work in abortion clinics to gain admitting privileges at a hospital — the same kind of provision that was designed to shutter the last abortion clinic in Mississippi.
The Wisconsin bill now goes from the Republican-controlled Senate to the Republican-controlled House. Republican Governor Scott Walker has said he would sign the bill into law. As Rachel reported on the show last night (video), it’s still open season on reproductive rights in the states.
Viewer Dave Eveland of Madison, Wisconsin, forwards video from the Senate vote today, when Senate President Mike Ellis puts the hammer down. At about 1:50:
You’re interrupting a roll call. Sit down. Right now! Call the roll…. You’re interrupting a roll call and that will not be tolerated. Sit down! The bill passed along party lines after Republicans cut off debate, 20 minutes in. Senate President Ellis told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel the trouble started when Democrats tried to debate a motion that was not debatable. “They triggered this,” he said. “I am a nice guy.” Mississippi’s law requiring admitting privileges has so far been blocked by the courts. But on, Wisconsin: the House is expected to take up the bill tomorrow. (Thanks for the clip, Dave. You can send us stuff here or through our Facebook page.)
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