MADISON, Wis. — In a matter of seconds, Wisconsin Republican lawmakers gaveled in and gaveled out of a special session that was called to address the state's abortion law.
If the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade, then Wisconsin's law criminalizing nearly all abortions would take effect.
"While abortion remains safe and legal in Wisconsin today, a decision from the Supreme Court is imminent and time is of the essence," said Democratic State Senator and Minority leader Janet Bewley.
Democrats and supporters held a news conference criticizing Republicans. They said partners are talking with leadership in other states where access to abortions will continue.
TMJ4 News reached out to Republican leadership for comment on the issue, but was told they were unavailable or we did not get a response. Republican State Senator and Senate President Chris Kapenga's office sent a statement calling the governor's effort a political stunt.
Meanwhile an organized "pink out" in the Capitol rotunda drew a crowd, demanding lawmakers toss the law that was created more than a century ago.
WATCH: This is the pink out in the Capitol building in Madison today. Protesters are calling for safe and legal abortions in the state as the Supreme Court considers removing Roe v. Wade.
In a Marquette University Law School poll released on Wednesday, 58% of people who responded said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 35% said it should be illegal.
"It's kind of emotional when I think about being looked at by the state government as less than as somebody who can't control my own body," said Jolene Olson, who joined the pink out.
Olson was disappointed to see lawmakers gavel in and out. She believes reproductive rights are an issue that transcends politics.
"I think that they should at least be open to a conversation when you have this many people, women or people who identify as women, that are being impacted by this law," Olson said.
