Woman says she'll file lawsuit to challenge state's fetal protection law

MADISON (AP) — A Wisconsin woman says she plans to file a lawsuit challenging the state's fetal protection law.

The law allows officials to force pregnant women who are abusing drugs into treatment. Tamara Loertscher of Medford claims she was pregnant when she went to the Eau Claire Mayo Clinic to seek treatment for hypothyroidism and depression this summer. Tests there revealed she had used methamphetamine and marijuana.

When she refused to submit to treatment she was jailed and Taylor County officials sent her a letter notifying her of child maltreatment.

The National Advocates for Pregnant Women is helping Loertscher. The organization's legal director says the lawsuit will be filed soon against the state Department of Children and Families but didn't elaborate.

DCF officials had no immediate comment.