Wisconsin § 895.037 - Abortions on or for a minor without parental consent or judicial waiver.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 895.037 — Abortions on or for a minor without parental consent or judicial waiver., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 895.037. Abortions on or for a minor without parental consent or judicial waiver.

895.037(1) (1) Definitions. In this section: 895.037(1)(a) (a) “Abortion” has the meaning given in s. 48.375 (2) (a) . 895.037(1)(c) (c) “Emancipated minor” has the meaning given in s. 48.375 (2) (e) . 895.037(2) (2) Penalties. 895.037(2)(a) (a) Any person who, in violation of s. 48.375 (4) , intentionally performs or induces an abortion on or for a minor whom the person knows or has reason to know is not an emancipated minor may be required to forfeit not more than $10,000. 895.037(2)(b) (b) Any person who intentionally violates s. 48.375 (7) (e) or 809.105 (12) may be required to forfeit not more than $10,000. 895.037(3) (3) Civil remedies. 895.037(3)(a) (a) A person who intentionally violates s. 48.375 (4) is liable to the minor on or for whom the abortion was performed or induced and to the minor’s parent, guardian and legal custodian for damages arising out of the performance or inducement of the abortion including, but not limited to, damages for personal injury and emotional and psychological distress. 895.037(3)(b) (b) If a person who has been awarded damages under par. (a) proves by clear and convincing evidence that the violation of s. 48.375 (4) was willful, wanton or reckless, that person shall also be entitled to punitive damages. 895.037(3)(c) (c) A conviction under sub. (2) (a) is not a condition precedent to bringing an action, obtaining a judgment or collecting that judgment under this subsection. 895.037(3)(d) (d) A person who recovers damages under par. (a) or (b) may also recover reasonable attorney fees incurred in connection with the action, notwithstanding s. 814.04 (1) . 895.037(3)(e) (e) A contract is not a defense to an action under this subsection. 895.037(3)(f) (f) Nothing in this subsection limits the common law rights of parents, guardians, legal custodians and minors. 895.037(4) (4) Confidentiality. The identity of a minor who is the subject of an action under this section and the identity of the minor’s parents, guardian and legal custodian shall be kept confidential and may not be disclosed, except to the court, the parties, their counsel, witnesses and other persons approved by the court. All papers filed in and all records of a court relating to an action under this section shall identify the minor as “Jane Doe” and shall identify her parents, guardian and legal custodian by initials only. All hearings relating to an action under this section shall be held in chambers unless the minor demands a hearing in open court and her parents, guardian or legal custodian do not object. If a public hearing is not held, only the parties, their counsel, witnesses and other persons requested by the court, or requested by a party and approved by the court, may be present. 895.037 History History: 1991 a. 263 . 895.037 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).

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 895.037

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 895.037 cover?

Section 895.037 ("Abortions on or for a minor without parental consent or judicial waiver.") 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 § 895.037?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 895.037" (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 § 895.037 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.