LGBTQ+ Rights & Bodily Autonomy

All people deserve to live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, bodily autonomy, and access to the health care they need. We continue to protect and defend Wisconsinites’ rights to love who they love, be who they are, and control their own bodies.

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The ACLU is tracking 500+ anti-LGBTQ bills across the country. Trans youth are being subjected to ugly rhetoric, misguided policies, and other dangerous actions in a nationwide attack on transgender rights and lives, and Wisconsin is no exception. Trans people belong everywhere, including in our state and we will not stand for hateful bills like the proposed bans on gender-affirming care, visibly trans students, trans athletes, some name changes, and birth record changes.

Abortion is legal in Wisconsin. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, dismantling the constitutional protections for abortion that have existed for nearly 50 years, abortion providers ceased abortion care in Wisconsin for fear of prosecution under a law from 1849. On July 2, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the archaic 1849 abortion ban.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin paused abortion care on September 30, 2025 due to restrictions in the Trump regime's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but two independent clinics in Milwaukee County continue to provide abortion care. If you or someone you know needs access to abortion, POWERS helps Wisconsinites navigate options.

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News & Commentary
A half-lowered US flag waves in front of the US Supreme Court.

Takeaways from the Supreme Court's Term

This term was marked by sharp right turns in major civil rights cases, a mixed record on lower-profile cases, and mixed outcomes in an ascendant emergency docket
Press Release
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ACLU of Wisconsin Applauds State Supreme Court Decision Striking Down 1849 Abortion Ban

In a victory for reproductive freedom, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a 4-3 ruling declaring the 1849 abortion ban to be unenforceable.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights & Bodily Autonomy
News & Commentary
Pride Is Still Protest signs

This Pride, Remember: We Can't Rely on the Government To Save Our Rights

Amidst political attacks on transgender youth, we remember that LGBTQ+ rights are won by the people.
Court Case
Jan 07, 2025

Planned Parenthood v. Urmanski: Wisconsin Abortion Ban Unconstitutional

Court Case
Jun 10, 2024

Department of Corrections Must Keep Families Together

The Wisconsin DOC legally must provide programming to incarcerated parents that allows them physical custody of their children for the first year of life.
Court Case
Apr 20, 2005

Dunnum v. Wisconsin: Domestic Partnership Benefits

The ACLU fought for domestic partnership for same-sex couples until the legislature passed the desired protections in a bill.
Court Case
Jan 24, 2006

Fields v. Smith: Medical Treatment for Trans Prisoners

Anti-trans law barring prison doctors from providing gender affirming healthcare struck down as unconstitutional.