Federal judge blocks strict Wisconsin abortion law

The law could close down two of the four remaining abortion clinics in the state

Published August 4, 2013 4:16PM (EDT)

A federal judge has extended a stay on a harsh Wisconsin law that requires women to get an ultrasound before getting an abortion, and requires abortion providers to obtain hospital admitting privileges within 30 miles of their clinics. If implemented, this could shut down 2 of the 4 remaining abortion clinics in the state.

U.S. District Judge William Conley extended an injunction against the law until the completion of a court challenge on its constitutionality, which is scheduled to begin November 25. Conley had previously granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law on July 8, right after it had been signed by Gov. Scott Walker.

The ACLU, the ACLU of Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin are behind the lawsuit, the Washington Post reports.

“Given the substantial likelihood of success on the merits and of irreparable harm, the public’s interest is best serviced by imposing a preliminary injunction on enforcement of the admitting privileges requirement until this court can address its merits after trial,” Conley wrote in his decision.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Abortion Abortion Clinics Scott Walker Ultrasounds Wisconsin