Court Decision Overturning Admitting Privileges a Major Defeat for Women’s Health

      “Judge William Conley’s decision Friday, overturning Wisconsin’s law requiring admitting privileges for abortionists at local hospitals, is detrimental to  providing continuity of care for women who suffer complications from an abortion,” shared Heather Weininger, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life.  “Wisconsin Right to Life is disappointed that women will not receive the care they need under these frightening circumstances.” 

     Enacted in June of 2013, Act 37 requires that abortionists have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion clinic.  In July of 2013, the admitting privileges provision was challenged in Federal Court by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Affiliated Medical Services, and the ACLU of Wisconsin. During the past year, abortionists at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin were able to obtain admitting privileges in Appleton, Madison, and Milwaukee. Other abortionists are still attempting to acquire them – they have been denied partly because of lack of peer review of their abortion practice.

     “The fact that some abortionists are not reviewed adequately is exactly why the legislature correctly voted to require admitting privileges at a hospital to provide the highest quality care for women,” continued Weininger. 

     “It is our hope that the Attorney General will appeal Judge Conley’s ruling,” continued Weininger.  “We must do all we can to ensure safety and continuity of care for Wisconsin women.”

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Media Contact: Heather Weininger 414-778-5780
 
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