Article Summary –
Dr. Brian Ewert, a nephrologist, criticizes Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany for supporting restrictive reproductive healthcare policies that could limit patients’ autonomy in high-risk pregnancies, emphasizing that such decisions should remain with the patients themselves. Tiffany has previously supported legislation restricting abortion and voted against extending Affordable Care Act tax credit subsidies, which Ewert argues have negatively impacted healthcare access and enrollment in Wisconsin. Ewert also highlights the strain on critical access hospitals due to policies supported by Tiffany and the Trump administration, which have led to healthcare service cutbacks or closures in the state.
Dr. Brian Ewert, a nephrologist in central Wisconsin for over 30 years, has seen patients face tough healthcare decisions based on risk and personal values.
“When women with severe kidney disease become pregnant, it’s a high-risk medical situation. Their kidney function may permanently decrease to failure, and they face life-threatening pregnancy complications,” Ewert explained to the Wisconsin Independent.
Ewert expressed concerns that Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany’s views on reproductive healthcare might limit patient choice.
“Decisions about patient care should be made by the patient, not by the state or Tom Tiffany,” Ewert emphasized. “We’re in a time where individual rights are increasingly under threat.”
Tiffany, representing Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, is running against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the November 3 gubernatorial election.
Ewert spoke at a press conference in Wausau organized by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. The event marked the June 24 anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which eliminated the federal right to an abortion.
“Government has no place in the exam room during these decisions,” he stated.
Tiffany’s campaign did not comment. In 2023, Tiffany cosponsored a bill criminalizing abortions after six weeks. He supports Wisconsin law banning abortions after 20 weeks.
“I voted for the current law permitting abortion up to five months. As governor, I will uphold it,” Tiffany said in a PBS Wisconsin interview.
In 2018, Ewert ran for Congress but lost in the Democratic primary.
Ewert cited the end of Affordable Care Act tax credits as harmful to communities. The 2025 expiration of these credits, expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act, has made insurance less affordable.
In January, 17 Republicans joined Democrats to extend subsidies, but the Senate hasn’t acted. Tiffany opposed the bill.
Wisconsin saw a 16% drop in Affordable Care Act enrollment in 2026 compared to 2025, according to KFF, meaning 45,000 fewer enrollees.
Tiffany argued that subsidies expired under Democrats’ deadlines and supported alternative legislation.
“The pandemic is over. Bailing out insurers isn’t the solution,” Tiffany said in a December statement. “Providing choice, transparency, and competition allows people to choose affordable plans that suit their needs.”
Critical access hospitals in northern Wisconsin rely on federal funding but struggle when patients can’t afford insurance, explained Ewert, a former healthcare executive.
According to Protect Our Care, a nonprofit, a dozen Wisconsin healthcare providers have shut down or cut services due to Trump and Republican policies.
“The business model doesn’t work for small hospitals,” Ewert said. “Trump policies and ones Tiffany supported are damaging to communities.”
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