Appeals court says clarification of abortion law not needed

MADISON — An appeals court says clarification of a state law governing abortions in Wisconsin isn't necessary.

The Fourth District Court of Appeals Wednesday reversed a circuit court decision sought by Planned Parenthood. The organization wanted clarification of two provisions in the 2012 law.

One requires the prescribing physician to be in the room when a woman is given abortion-inducing drugs. Planned Parenthood wanted to know if "given" meant administered or dispensed because a woman consumes one abortion-inducing drug at the clinic and the other 24 hours later.

Planned Parenthood also wanted clarification about liability if a woman claims her consent was not voluntary following an abortion. Planned Parenthood didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.