Gov. Jim Doyle formally granted the state approval to sue the Food and Drug Administration over malfeasance regarding delayed approval of emergency contraceptives, also known as Plan B, for over-the-counter sale.
State Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager asked Doyle last week to take up the issue of Plan B and urged the governor to authorize the lawsuit in order to preserve the well being of Wisconsin women.
Doyle said the FDA's postponement in approving over-the-counter Plan B is politically motivated and prompted by pressure from conservative groups.
State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said he agreed with the governor's position.
'[The] federal government is holding this up, not because of medical reasons, but because of the influence of the religious right,' Black said. 'Not only is this not right, it's not legal and Attorney General Lautenschlager is doing the right thing by defending the interests of the people of the state.'
However, Matt Sande, director of legislative affairs for Pro-Life Wisconsin, said he is upset by the decision and appalled that the governor would agree to such a lawsuit.
If the lawsuit is successful, it would make Wisconsin the first state in the country to sue the FDA over Plan B.
