Sources
- https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title35.docx
This is the official Wyoming State Legislature website, providing the full text of Title 35 (Public Health and Safety) which includes Wyoming's abortion laws. It's authoritative for verifying statutory language about viability exceptions, ultrasound requirements, and public funding limitations. - https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/wyoming/abortion
The Guttmacher Institute is a respected research organization tracking reproductive health policies. Their Wyoming page summarizes key abortion regulations (parental consent, provider requirements, etc.) with citations to statutes, making it useful for cross-referencing multiple provisions mentioned in the blog post. - https://health.wyo.gov/admin/publichealth/womens-health/wyoming-abortion-reporting/
Wyoming Department of Health's official page on abortion reporting requirements. Directly confirms the monthly reporting mandate for providers and lists required data points, aligning with the blog's claims about documentation and licensing. - https://www.aclu.org/report/state-governments-and-reproductive-rights
ACLU report on state reproductive rights, including analysis of Wyoming's lack of constitutional abortion protections. Supports the blog's discussion about unclear legal status post-Roe and equal protection arguments under the state constitution. - https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-rocky-mountains/state/wyoming
Planned Parenthood's Wyoming action page details current restrictions (e.g., parental consent, judicial bypass) and advocacy efforts. Offers context on how laws operate in practice, complementing the statutory descriptions in the blog.
Key Points
- Wyoming prohibits abortion at viability except to protect the mother's life or in cases of rape or incest.
- Women seeking an abortion in Wyoming must view an ultrasound before the procedure.
- Public funding for abortions is limited to cases of life endangerment or severe fetal anomalies.
- Parental notification and consent are required for minors seeking abortions, with judicial bypass as an alternative.
- Abortion providers must submit monthly reports to the state, including patient and procedure details.
- Only licensed physicians can perform abortions in Wyoming; other health professionals cannot.
- Violations of Wyoming's abortion restrictions can result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- Wyoming lacks constitutional or statutory protections for abortion rights.
- The state constitution's equal protection clause has not been ruled on regarding abortion access.
- There are calls for legislative review to ensure equitable healthcare and reproductive rights for women in Wyoming.
Summary
Wyoming law restricts abortion after viability unless the mother's life is at risk or in cases of rape or incest, and requires women to view an ultrasound beforehand. Public funding is limited to medically necessary abortions, and minors need parental consent unless they obtain judicial bypass. The state lacks clear constitutional protections for abortion, creating uncertainty for reproductive rights.
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.
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.
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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.
