MADISON, WI (AP)-- Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has appealed a federal judge's ruling striking down a law that required doctors performing abortions to first obtain admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
The Republican Schimel filed notice of the appeal of U.S. District Judge William Conley's decision Monday. Conley on March 20 blocked enforcement of the 2013 law, ruling that any benefits to women's health from the requirement were "substantially outweighed" by restricting women's access to abortion. Planned Parenthood and affiliated medical services brought the lawsuit.
Governor Scott Walker signed the bill into law after the Republican-controlled legislature passed it two years ago. Walker has said he believes the law will ultimately survive legal challenges.
Courts have put similar restrictions on hold in five other states.