Here & Now

What’s Next for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Nurses?

Frederica Freyberg:

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin did prepare ahead of today’s ruling. Marisa Wojcik visited one of their clinics on Madison’s east side.

Marisa Wojcik:

Surgical nurses cluster around a table, prepping for a busy day Thursday. The day before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. Under different circumstances, it’d be a normal day except Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin took dramatic steps this week to reorient patient care away from abortion in anticipation of the ruling. These nurses have seen many patients, heard many stories.

Nurse A:

We’re just here to support them, whatever they decide.

Nurse B:

I think that’s the best part of this job. As a nurse, my soul purpose is to support what my patient wants and thinks is best for them.

Marisa Wojcik:

Overturning Roe v. Wade reinstates an 1849 Wisconsin law criminalizing abortion.

Nurse C:

On a really selfish level, we’re like, dammit, I love this job. I don’t want to lose this job. And I know right now there’s some discussion and efforts right now for some of us to travel to Illinois to continue to provide abortion services and help with some of the influx of patients that Illinois specifically is anticipated to get.

Marisa Wojcik:

The clinic plans to remain open and boost their early pregnancy assessment and family planning services.

Nurse C:

We’re not getting fired or anything like that. But this is obviously a very special type of care that we do here. And I don’t know. I think that’s tough.

Marisa Wojcik:

For “Here & Now,” I’m Marisa Wojcik in Madison.