NEW AD: WI Mom Forced to Flee the State for Abortion Care Calls Out Congressman Derrick Van Orden for Interfering With In Private Medical Decisions
Anti-abortion extremism leaves patients like Megan Kling without access to health care
WISCONSIN –– In a new digital ad from Free & Just, Megan Kling, a mom from Taylor who needed an abortion after her baby was diagnosed with a rare and fatal condition, is calling out Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) for urging Wisconsin lawmakers to push new legislation that bans abortion. The ad, which is part of six-figure buy across key congressional districts, comes as attacks on access to all types of reproductive health care continue to escalate.
In 2023, Megan Kling was 21 weeks pregnant with her third child when her baby was diagnosed with bilateral renal agenesis, a rare condition that caused her son to develop without kidneys or a bladder. Devastated by the fatal diagnosis, Megan and her husband sought care to end the pregnancy. At the time, Wisconsin state law prohibited Megan from accessing the care she needed, and she was forced to travel to Minnesota to safely end the pregnancy.
Wisconsin’s abortion ban forced Megan to end pregnancy far from home and without the support of the doctors she knew and trusted. She was heartbroken, and outraged.
Congressman Derrick Van Ordern is an anti-abortion extremist hellbent on interfering in the personal, private medical decisions made between women and their doctors. In 2023, after the deadly Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, Rep. Van Orden called for a 15-week abortion ban in Wisconsin.
Following the launch of the ad, Megan Kling released the following statement:
“I’ve faced ridicule for sharing my story in the past, and have even been targeted by anti-abortion extremist groups. But, I know that I made the right choice for myself, my family, and my son, and I know that there is no place for politicians like Congressman Derrick Van Orden in our deeply personal medical decisions. I am proud to be featured in this ad, and will continue to stand up for everyone who is suffering under abortion bans, including my three daughters.”
Ad Transcript:
I’m grateful to have three beautiful children.
I got a devastating pregnancy diagnosis and had to leave Wisconsin for care.
Healthcare decisions belong to families, not politicians like Derrick Van Orden.
We know what’s right for us. He doesn’t.
If you are interested in speaking with Megan, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.
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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.