A Wisconsin state lawmaker this week suggested that abortion be made illegal to help add more people to the workforce.

Wisconsin state Rep. Scott Allen (R) made the suggestion during a Wisconsin Assembly debate about a bill that would make it illegal to offer abortions through state health insurance plans.

{mosads}“Labor force shortages are tied to population declines. And labor force shortages are a limiting factor in economic growth. And limited economic growth poses a problem when government tries to pay for public services and infrastructure,” Allen said.

“In spite of this Mr. Speaker, ironically, the Democrats continue their effort to support the abortion industry.”

Allen also called abortion “wrong,” WZIM reported.

“Often in public debates people are afraid to say it, but let me just say it: Abortion is wrong,” he said. “Although it may be legal we should in no way, shape or form should we provide public funding for abortion.”

The bill blocks state health-care plans from covering abortions except in the case of rape, incest or to save a mother’s health or life, according to WZIM. The Assembly passed the legislation on Thursday.

Wisconsin’s labor force reached an all-time high in September, according to the state’s Department of Workforce Development.