A local Republican has introduced a bill that would ban UW-Health employees from contracting with Planned Parenthood for abortions services.
State Representative Andre Jacque of De Pere says the contract enabling faculty at UW-Health to perform and charge for abortion services at three clinics violates a state statute that prohibits public dollars to be used for abortion.
Jacque says the use of public employees time to provide abortion services is "shocking." He says it is not the role of government to provide payment for abortion services.
In an interview with NBC26, Jacque said he believes the average Wisconsinite will be outraged. He said, "I think it's just common sense... I think as Wisconsinites find out this is happening they are outraged and are shocked just as I was..."
Despite his reservations, he says his bill would only prevent employees from performing the services while on public time. Employees could still use their personal time for such work.
Lisa Brunette, a spokeswoman for UW Health, said few than 10 faculty members provide services at Planned Parenthood. She said obstetrics-gynecology medical students receive abortion training at the clinic. National guidelines require schools offer such training, but residents can opt out.
She says the school "will vigorously defend its commitment to train medical residents in all specialties, including ob-gyn."
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin did not immediately respond to several questions submitted to them from the Associated Press.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
