Supreme Court denies Wisconsin abortion appeal

MADISON — The Supreme Court has rejected a Wisconsin appeal seeking to reinstate restrictions on abortion clinics that were struck down by lower courts.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said in a statement that Tuesday's decision "is not surprising" in the wake of Monday's Supreme Court ruling striking down a similar Texas law.

The Supreme Court ruled the regulations requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals are medically unnecessary and unconstitutionally limit a woman's right to an abortion.

American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Legal Director Larry Dupuis said in a statement that the decision should send a loud signal to anti-abortion politicians that they can no longer hide behind "sham rationales" to shut down clinics.

Supporters of the law say the ruling will hinder women's health.