Democrats introduce medical rights bill that would boost access to reproductive care

MADISON — Democratic lawmakers are drafting a sweeping bill they say would boost access to reproductive care, including abortions.

Sen. Jon Erpenbach and Rep. Chris Taylor announced the proposal at a news conference Thursday. They say the bill would repeal a Republican-authored law requiring abortion providers obtain hospital admitting privileges; prohibit people from harassing and intimidating reproductive health providers and patients; define medical accuracy; prohibit the use of medically inaccurate information on health consent forms; and allow physicians to provide reproductive health care outside of their primary workplace.

It also would require health care facilities that provide maternal care to allow a provider who wants to perform abortions to use the facility.

The bill has little chance of passing. Republicans control the Assembly and Senate as well as the governor's office.