Pro-life advocates are claiming victory in their fight against efforts to provide certain abortion services at a UW facility in Madison.
UW Health had been developing plans to offer abortions at the Madison Surgery Center for women 19-22 weeks into a pregnancy. Wisconsin Right to Life was among many pro-life groups who fought against the plan, and Executive Director Barbara Lyons believes those efforts have paid off.
The claim is based on a recent letter from the Department of Justice to an Eau Claire attorney, regarding whether UW was violating the law with plans to provide second trimester abortions at the Madison Surgery Center. Lyons says the letter indicated UW was no longer pursuing the idea.
She says the decision is a victory for women, unborn children, and the people of Wisconsin.
However, officials with UW Health are denying those claims. In statement released Wednesday afternoon, UW Health says it “remains strongly committed to a comprehensive women’s reproductive health service that includes this important procedure.”
Officials declined to comment though on whether the Madison Surgery Center still fits into those plans, or if another facility will be used instead.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:13)