In July 2018, Reproaction launched the #WIFights292 campaign to educate Wisconsinites about the harm done through enforcement of the Unborn Child Protection Act (Act 292). Act 292 allows Wisconsin to take certain pregnant people into custody, assign a lawyer to the embryo or fetus – but not the pregnant woman – lock the pregnant woman up in a jail or a mental hospital, and subject her to forced treatment. Although Act 292 was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge, it was kept in place after an appeal brought by former Governor Scott Walker and former Attorney General Brad Schimel.

A lot has changed since then – for the better. A liberal candidate, Tony Evers, won the governorship when he defeated Scott Walker, who was once seen as a rising star among conservatives. Wisconsin is now under new, more progressive leadership, and Reproaction is organizing to ask the new administration to hit the ground running by restoring the rights and liberty of pregnant people in Wisconsin.

Reproaction has updated the #WIFights292 campaign to reflect the new potential for progress and our demand that Governor Evers take immediate action by to stop enforcement of Act 292. Even though it’s been a cold winter in Wisconsin, Reproaction has been organizing online and offline to eliminate Act 292. We’ve been working to call in allies, fight back against the opposition, and protect the dignity and liberty of all Wisconsinites.

It may be freezing here, but we’re optimistic about the change in the Badger State’s leadership. As a Wisconsin native, I know that Wisconsinites tend to thrive despite the bitter cold. If you’re a loud and proud cheese-head and you’re feeling a little chilled, here are some ways you can take action and stay up to date without leaving the comfort of your home:

1. Sign our new petition to Governor Evers, and invite your friends to do the same
2. Fill out this survey to tell us exactly what you care about
3. Read my recently published piece on Act 292 in Rewire.News
4. Sign up here to join the list of activists we contact directly to engage in direct action
5. Support our work to advance reproductive justice through a one-time or recurring donation

Governor Evers administration has the power and responsibility to act to restore rights and liberty to pregnant people across the state. Change can happen, and when it does, we will be prepared. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved with Reproaction in Wisconsin.