Wisconsin § 940.16 - Partial-birth abortion.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 940.16 — Partial-birth abortion., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 940.16. Partial-birth abortion.
940.16(1) (1) In this section: 940.16(1)(a) (a) “Child” means a human being from the time of fertilization until it is completely delivered from a pregnant woman. 940.16(1)(b) (b) “Partial-birth abortion” means an abortion in which a person partially vaginally delivers a living child, causes the death of the partially delivered child with the intent to kill the child, and then completes the delivery of the child. 940.16(2) (2) Except as provided in sub. (3) , whoever intentionally performs a partial-birth abortion is guilty of a Class A felony. 940.16(3) (3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the partial-birth abortion is necessary to save the life of a woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, and if no other medical procedure would suffice for that purpose. 940.16 History History: 1997 a. 219 . 940.16 Annotation A Nebraska statute that provides that no partial birth abortion can be performed unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury is unconstitutional. Stenberg v. Carhart, 530 U.S. 914 , 120 S. Ct. 2597 , 147 L. Ed. 2d 743 (2000). But see Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 , 142 S. Ct. 2228 , 213 L. Ed. 2d 545 (2022). 940.16 Annotation The constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Therefore, a rational-basis review is the appropriate standard for a constitutional challenge to abortion laws. A law regulating abortion, like other health and welfare laws, is entitled to a strong presumption of validity. It must be sustained if there is a rational basis on which the legislature could have thought that it would serve legitimate state interests. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 , 142 S. Ct. 2228 , 213 L. Ed. 2d 545 (2022). 940.16 Annotation Enforcement of this section is enjoined under Carhart , 530 U.S. 914 (2000). Hope Clinic v. Ryan, 249 F.3d 603 (2001). But see Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 , 142 S. Ct. 2228 , 213 L. Ed. 2d 545 (2022). subch. II of ch. 940 SUBCHAPTER II BODILY SECURITY
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 940.16
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 940.16 cover?
Section 940.16 ("Partial-birth abortion.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 940.16?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 940.16" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 940.16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.