WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 14

Relating to: pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 8 co-sponsors

Wisconsin law now requires explicit prior consent before pelvic exams on unconscious patients, prohibiting non-consensual medical training exams during anesthesia.

Published 8-9-2025
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 14

Legislative bill overview

SB 14 restricts pelvic exams performed on unconscious or anesthetized patients without explicit prior consent, requiring hospitals to establish administrative rules and protocols around such procedures. The bill essentially requires informed consent before medical students or practitioners can conduct pelvic exams on sedated patients who cannot object.

Why is this important

Medical training traditionally relied on practicing pelvic exams on unconscious patients during surgery or procedures without explicit consent—a practice that raises significant ethical and bodily autonomy concerns. This law addresses documented cases where patients discovered after procedures that exams had been performed without their knowledge, establishing a consent requirement that affects medical education and hospital protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical education impact: Teaching hospitals and medical schools argue that restricting practice opportunities may affect quality of gynecological training and student competency, though consent-based alternatives exist
  • Definition and scope: Questions remain about what constitutes sufficient "prior consent," how broadly the rule applies across procedure types, and whether exceptions exist for emergency situations
  • Implementation burden: Hospitals must develop new administrative rules and documentation processes, creating compliance costs and potential liability concerns for institutions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.