### Wisconsin Supreme Court Overturns 176-Year-Old Abortion Ban: A Landmark Decision The Wisconsin Supreme Court has made a significant ruling by striking down an abortion ban that dates back to 1849. This decision comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, which had previously guaranteed federal abortion rights. The Wisconsin court's 4-3 decision, which followed ideological lines, confirmed that the outdated law was superseded by more recent legislation allowing abortions until approximately the 20th week of pregnancy. This ruling has sparked both praise and criticism, reflecting the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights in the United States [https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-down-176-year-old-abortion-ban-242630725985][https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/us/wisconsin-abortion-1849-supreme-court.html?campaign_id=190&instance_id=157705&nl=from-the-times®i_id=266616634&segment_id=201099&user_id=4783123fe97830dffec1ed22aff6ec15]. ### Breakdown of the Ruling and Its Implications 1. **Court's Decision**: The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the 1849 abortion ban could not be enforced, affirming a lower court's decision that modern laws take precedence [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/02/wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-down-states-1849-near-total-abortion-ban.html]. 2. **Legal Context**: The ruling clarifies that the 1849 law was effectively replaced by more recent statutes, including a 2015 law that allows abortions until the fetus reaches viability [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/02/wisconsin-court-abortion-ban]. 3. **Political Reactions**: The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters celebrating it as a victory for reproductive rights, while opponents express concern over the implications for future legislation [https://www.chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/07/02/wisconsin-supreme-court-abortion-ban]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Court Composition**: The ruling was decided along ideological lines, with the liberal majority affirming the lower court's decision [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wisconsin/articles/2025-07-02/wisconsin-supreme-courts-liberal-majority-strikes-down-176-year-old-abortion-ban]. - **Historical Context**: The 1849 law had been dormant for decades until the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 2022 prompted Republican prosecutors in Wisconsin to attempt to enforce it [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/us/wisconsin-abortion-1849-supreme-court.html?campaign_id=190&instance_id=157705&nl=from-the-times®i_id=266616634&segment_id=201099&user_id=4783123fe97830dffec1ed22aff6ec15]. - **Current Abortion Laws**: The ruling leaves in place a 2015 law that bans abortions after 20 weeks, ensuring that women in Wisconsin retain access to abortion services [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3316699/us-wisconsin-court-strikes-down-states-19th-century-abortion-ban]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Reproductive Rights in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to strike down the 176-year-old abortion ban marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights in the United States. 1. **Major Findings**: The court ruled that the outdated law was superseded by more modern legislation, affirming the right to access abortion services until viability. 2. **Implications for Future Legislation**: This ruling may influence future legal battles over reproductive rights, as it sets a precedent for the interpretation of state laws in light of more recent statutes. 3. **Public Reaction**: The decision has elicited a range of responses, highlighting the deep divisions in public opinion regarding abortion rights in Wisconsin and beyond. This landmark ruling not only impacts the legal landscape in Wisconsin but also resonates with the broader national discourse on reproductive rights [https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2025-07-02/wisconsin-court-says-19th-century-abortion-ban-cannot-be-enforced].