Zac Schultz:

Roe v. Wade stood for 50 years and technically still stands. But with the leak from the United States Supreme Court indicating they plan to strike it down, lawmakers in both parties across the country are making plans for what abortion rights will exist after Roe. We begin tonight with Representative Barbara Dittrich, a Republican from Oconomowoc who joins us now. Thanks for your time. In the last week, we’ve seen Republicans in conservative states move rapidly to introduce new abortion bills. Some going so far as to allow zero exceptions: not in the case of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother. What can you tell us about what Wisconsin Republicans are likely to introduce?

Barbara Dittrich:

That’s a great question. And we haven’t really come to a consensus as a caucus at this point. I would tell you that we have a wide range of opinions on what should be allowed. As you may know, in the past, Ive introduced legislation exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother but there are some that aren’t even in favor of birth control. So, we have to come to an agreement as a caucus so that we can move forward in the state. Otherwise, the way I understand it, we would revert back to the 1849 law that already exists.

Zac Schultz:

In cases in Wisconsin counties, would you anticipate police or district attorneys investigating miscarriages in order to determine it wasn’t an abortion if that was the law?

Barbara Dittrich:

I can’t even hazard to guess. I haven’t talked to a DA what they would do at this point. Certainly we don’t want that happening. [unintelligible] I think we’re talking more about medical reporting and assurance that’s going as it should.

Zac Schultz:

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the 1849 statue goes back into effect barring any legal challenges. Are you comfortable with that statue governing abortion laws in Wisconsin? Or do you think there need to be changes no matter what?

Barbara Dittrich:

I don’t think it’s a matter of what my opinion is. I think it’s a matter of what — where we can find common ground in the state of Wisconsin. As you may know, the 1849 law does make exceptions for the life of the mother. And I think there is a certain segment that really insists upon having that exception for rape and incest. I happen to think all life has value. No matter what. So, that being said, something in place that Wisconsinites can live with. On the opposite side of that, most people do not support abortion for any reason at any time. Most people are — who are in favor of it really are in favor of only the first trimester. So, we’ve got to find a place where we find some common ground. And can — in my opinion, respect life in the process.

Zac Schultz:

Polling shows most Wisconsinites believe some form of abortion should be legal and accessible. And we know some of those same people traditionally support Republicans at the ballot box. Are you worried some of those voters may change their minds and vote for Democrats this fall because abortion could be on the ballot for them?

Barbara Dittrich:

No. I’ll tell you why because I have been very overt about my pro-life position since the first day I ran. Anyone who knows me knows my position on abortion. Also, because Ive introduced legislation in the past, pro-life legislation in the past. For example, we don’t want discrimination in the womb any more than we would want it outside of the womb for those with a disability or those — you know, based on the baby’s sex. So, people know my position. So, Im not concerned about how this will affect the election for me.

Zac Schultz:

Now, if women in Wisconsin no longer have a choice whether to carry a pregnancy to term, would you expect Republicans to support more women-friendly legislation like paid family leave, more support for childcare, or mandated sick leave for employers?

Barbara Dittrich:

Well of course we know paid family leave is already an option. Job sharing is already an — I dont think we need to legislate that. I think, especially in this tight job market, that actually favors women because employers are willing to do these things on their own simply because they need women in the work force so much. Things have changed so drastically in this country in the work force verses back when the Roe verses Wade decision was originally made. That the work force looked so much more different. What I do support is, you know, supporting women so they don’t feel like abortion is their only option. You may recall that I have been the chair of a task force on adoption. And Ive really tried to make adoption an easier glide path for families in the state. And I think we can do more around that, as well, for our women that don’t want to parent a child right now. I’ve also supported pharmacists prescribing birth control. So, that women can have easier access to birth control in the state if they so wish. I’d rather see that than see a pregnancy terminated.

Zac Schultz:

Thank you very much for your time Representative Dittrich from Oconomowoc.