Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Wisconsin, U.S.A.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade caused uncertainty in the state of Wisconsin. A 173-year-old total abortion ban from the is potentially enforceable, so providers have halted care until legal clarity is provided. 

Wisconsin has funded crisis pregnancy centers using taxpayer dollars as recently as 2018 through a “pregnancy counseling” program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health. In 2016, Wisconsin also became one of 33 states that offer “Choose Life” liscence plates, with proceeds benefiting Choose Life Wisconsin, Inc. 

While $138.2 million was approved for Wisconsin’s “pregnancy counseling” program in 2021-2023 biennial budget, it is unclear how these funds are now being distributed under Governor Tony Evers administration. Governor Evers notably rejected a proposal to spend $10 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support crisis pregnancy centers in 2022 and and Wisconsin has not been included recent reports about states that fund crisis pregnancy centers published by the Associated Press and CNN. As of January 2023, there are at least 55 crisis pregnancy centers and 0 abortion care providers in Wisconsin. Abortion care is available in nearby states: Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.