Wisconsin Lawmaker Faces Backlash for Comparing Veterinary Experience to Abortion Debate

State Rep. Joel Kitchens' comments during a debate on a 14-week abortion ban draw criticism, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding reproductive rights.

Wisconsin state Rep. Joel Kitchens drew criticism for comparing his experience as a veterinarian to the issue of abortion during a debate on a potential 14-week abortion ban.
Kitchens argued that his experience with animal ultrasounds made him knowledgeable about mammalian fetal development, leading to accusations of equating women to animals.
Critics, including other politicians and social media users, expressed outrage at Kitchens' comments, with many highlighting the difference between animal and human healthcare.
The proposed 14-week abortion ban passed the Wisconsin State Assembly after a lengthy debate and will go to a statewide referendum if approved by the state Senate.
This is not the first instance of a lawmaker using their experience with livestock to argue against abortion, with similar incidents occurring in Idaho and Georgia in previous years.