A bill that would require a woman’s consent to perform pelvic exams on female patients if they’re unconscious or under anesthesia for medical teaching purposes has made it through a Wisconsin Senate Committee.
State Senator Andre Jaque of De Pere, who helped introduce the bills explains that “the bill helps ensure compassionate practice and that the experiences and voices of the patient are respected.”
The Republican also says that “historically, medical schools have taught pelvic exams on unconscious, sedated patients, undergoing gynecological medical procedures, however, they often failed to obtain the specific, informed consent on that sedated patient.”
The Patient Privacy Protection Act would make Wisconsin the 25th in the US to require consent.
With strong bi-partisan support, the bill needs to make it out of the Wisconsin State Assembly and then can be signed by Governor Tony Evers.
