Wisconsin Planned Parenthood sues over medication abortions

MADISON, Wis. — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has filed a legal challenge to the state law that subjects doctors who perform medication-induced abortions to possible criminal charges.

Planned Parenthood stopped offering the medication abortions when the law took effect in April. The organization continues to offer surgical abortions at its clinics in Madison, Appleton and Milwaukee.

The law requires doctors and patients to take a series of steps before a woman can receive the medication abortion, including verification that the patient is having the procedure voluntarily.

The State Journal says Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, the state’s district attorneys and the Medical Examining Board are listed as defendants. Van Hollen spokeswoman Dana Brueck says the Department of Justice will review the lawsuit and respond accordingly.