Wyoming Requires Ultrasound Before Pill Abortion

In Wyoming, women considering medication abortions will now be required to undergo an ultrasound due to the state legislature’s decision to override the governor’s veto on a new law.

The state Senate passed the override with a 22-9 vote on Wednesday, following the House’s 45-16 approval the day before. Governor Mark Gordon, whose order was vetoed, had expressed concerns about the necessity and fairness of the law, particularly in cases of rape or incest.

State legislators emphasized the need for the ultrasound requirement, citing mental health considerations for women undergoing abortions. Republican Senator Darin Smith of Cheyenne reflected on the psychological impacts, comparing the ultrasound requirement to the lasting effects of an abortion.

Abortion rights organizations have criticized the new mandate, denouncing it as unconstitutional and burdensome. Christine Lichtenfels, executive director of Chelsea’s Fund, a Wyoming group advocating for abortion access, stated the organization’s intent to challenge the law in court.

Wyoming stands unique as the first state to expressly ban medication abortions, although this and other abortion-related laws have been stalled as they are being contested at the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Across the United States, ten states already demand that ultrasounds be performed for women seeking abortions, as per data from the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion rights research entity.

In accordance with Wyoming’s new legislation, women desiring medication abortions may need to travel considerable distances to receive an ultrasound, which would be documented. While they are not obliged to view the ultrasound image, they must be given the option at least 48 hours prior to the procedure.

Wyoming law previously mandated that abortion providers offer an ultrasound for any abortion procedure. The new law assigns penalties to healthcare providers, who could face fines up to $9,000 and a six-month jail sentence for non-compliance.

Following the governor’s signing of another bill requiring abortion facilities to be licensed as surgical centers, Wyoming’s sole full-service abortion clinic ceased all abortion services. Wellspring Health Access in Casper hesitates to violate the law, pending legal challenges, according to President Julie Burkhart.

The status of Wyoming’s other medication abortion provider, a family medicine practice in Jackson, remains unclear, with no response to inquiries.

Despite these legal barriers, medication abortions in Wyoming remain feasible through telehealth services like Just the Pill and several online providers.

The Guttmacher Institute reported that more than 60% of abortions conducted through the official healthcare system in the U.S. during 2023 were medicinal, with Wyoming boasting the nation’s highest proportion of pill abortions at 95%.