Wyoming law generally prohibits abortion at viability except when it is necessary to protect the pregnant woman’s life. This means that an abortion cannot be performed once a fetus can live outside the womb unless the mother is at risk. There are also exceptions if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.
Ultrasound Requirement
Wyoming law requires that any woman seeking an abortion must view an ultrasound of their womb before having an abortion.
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This requirement aims to provide patients with information about their pregnancies and allow them time to consider alternatives before making a final decision.
Public Funding Limitations
Under Wyoming state law, public funding for abortions can only be used in cases of life endangerment or severe fetal anomalies incompatible with life outside of the womb.
This means taxpayers are not funding abortions unless they are deemed medically necessary.
Parental Notification/Consent Requirements
Wyoming also has parental notification requirements for minors seeking abortions.
Generally speaking, a parent or legal guardian must be notified before a minor receives an abortion procedure at an abortion clinic. The guardian must consent for the procedure to take place (unless certain exceptions apply).
Alternatively, minors may petition for judicial bypass if they do not want their parents involved in their decision regarding terminating a pregnancy.
Required Reports and Licensing Requirements for Providers
Wyoming requires abortion providers to submit monthly reports to the state regarding abortions performed in the month prior.
These reports must include information about the patient, type of procedure, gestational age at the time of the procedure, name of attending physician, and any complications reported during or after the procedure.
This information helps providers adhere to state regulations and provide safe patient health care.
Additionally, all abortion care must be provided by a licensed physician in Wyoming. Other health professionals, such as nurse practitioners or midwives, cannot provide abortion services in this state.
Any provider who violates Wyoming’s abortion restrictions may face criminal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment.
In Wyoming, there are no constitutional or statutory protections for having an abortion.
Lack of clarity in the state constitution
Although the Wyoming Constitution states that women should have equal protection based on sex, the state Supreme Court has yet to rule on whether or not this term in the state constitution includes access to abortions.
The lack of clarity can make Wyoming a difficult state for pregnant women seeking abortion access and choice.
There have been calls for the Wyoming legislature to review state law to ensure equitable healthcare rights and guarantee explicit reproductive rights for all women.
Overall, Wyoming has taken a firm stance on abortion and gun regulation.
