State seeks reconsideration in abortion lawsuit

ANCHORAGE - The state of Alaska is seeking reconsideration of a lawsuit decision over a new state law requiring that parents be notified before a girl younger than 18 can get an abortion.

A judge last week rejected a request by Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest to block the law approved by voters in August.

Superior Court Judge John Suddock, however, removed provisions calling for a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to five years for violators of the law. He also struck a section allowing physicians to be liable for damages.

The state filed a motion Thursday to reconsider. Gov. Sean Parnell said in a statement he would "continue to work to ensure that Alaska's families are represented and that the law truly reflects the will of the people."