Planned Parenthood Wins Lawsuit Protecting Access to Safe and Legal Early Abortion Using Medication

Earlier today, a state court granted Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s motion for a declaratory judgment, which ensures Wisconsin women will continue to access safe and legal medication abortion. On December 12, 2012, Planned Parenthood filed suit against the attorney general and other officials responsible for enforcing Wis. Stat. Sec. 253.105. The lawsuit sought relief from the vague and ambiguous provisions which threatened criminal prosecution of physicians providing medication abortion services.

“At Planned Parenthood, we work every day to make sure women receive the high quality health care they need in a safe, respectful environment- including abortion care,” stated Teri Huyck, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. “Ensuring the health and safety of our patients is central to our mission and fundamental to every person who works at Planned Parenthood.”

Under the terms of the decision, the judge clarified the ambiguity of sec. 253.105. The decision allows Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to confidently provide safe, non-invasive medication abortion services to women early in pregnancy without the fear of criminal prosecution. This decision ensures women’s ability to make their own personal, complex medical decisions. Women seeking abortion will be able to access medication abortion services after meeting the state-required examination and counseling session with a physician and satisfying the mandated 24-hour waiting period.

“This is a victory for women and their ability to decide which medical procedure is best for their own health and circumstances,” Huyck continued. “The decision recognizes that medical professionals should be trusted to determine the safest and best medical care for their patients. As a leading provider of women’s health care in Wisconsin for almost 80 years, we will continue to provide our patients with the safe and legal health care services they need and deserve.” 

Planned Parenthood previously received an injunction from a state court ensuring women’s access to medication abortion at Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin remains in federal court fighting an additional abortion restriction impacting patient safety and threatening women’s legal access to safe and legal abortion under Act 37 that passed last year. Abortions are very safe and the most highly regulated medical service. According to the Center for Disease Control, abortion has a 99% safety record, and studies show that women have less than a 1% rate of complications. There are no medical reasons for these laws.