MADISON, WI (AP)-- A federal appeals court panel says a Wisconsin law requiring abortion providers to get hospital admitting privileges is unconstitutional.
A three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the decision Monday, upholding a federal judge in Madison who struck down the law in March.
Planned Parenthood and Affiliated Medical Services challenged the law in 2013, arguing it would force AMS' Milwaukee clinic to close because its doctors couldn't get admitting privileges. The lawsuit said that amounted to an unconstitutional restriction on abortion.
State attorneys contend the law would ensure continuity of care for women hospitalized with abortion complications.
During oral arguments in October, the 7th Circuit judges hearing the case peppered state attorneys with questions. One judge said there was no rational basis for the law.
