Women in Wyoming who want a pill abortion must now get an ultrasound before the procedure. Lawmakers voted to override the governor’s veto and approved the new law. This decision makes Wyoming the first state to directly ban pill abortions. The law is now in effect, despite criticism from abortion rights advocates who say it is unnecessary and unconstitutional.
Wyoming lawmakers override governor’s veto with large majority vote
On Wednesday, the state Senate voted 22-9 to override the governor’s veto. A day earlier, the House had voted 45-16 in favor of the override. Republican Governor Mark Gordon vetoed the bill on Monday. He raised concerns about whether the requirement was reasonable, especially for women who are victims of rape or incest. However, lawmakers argued that the measure was necessary to protect women’s well-being. With a two-thirds majority in both chambers, they pushed the law through despite the governor’s objections.
Supporters say the law protects women’s mental health
The debate over the law focused on concerns about women’s psychological well-being. Supporters argued that having an abortion can cause long-term emotional distress. Senator Darin Smith of Cheyenne defended the override, stating that while the governor worried about the emotional impact of requiring an ultrasound, he believed the trauma of having an abortion could be even worse. On the other hand, abortion rights advocates strongly disagreed. Christine Lichtenfels, director of the Wyoming abortion rights group Chelsea’s Fund, called the law unnecessary and unconstitutional. She said they are prepared to fight it in court.
Wyoming’s new abortion restrictions add to ongoing legal battles in the state
Wyoming has already passed several abortion restrictions in recent years. However, many of these laws remain on hold as they face legal challenges. The Wyoming Supreme Court is currently reviewing some of these measures. Now, with the passage of the ultrasound requirement, the state continues to tighten its abortion laws, even as courts decide the fate of previous restrictions.
Ten other states have similar ultrasound requirements
While Wyoming’s new law is controversial, it is not unique. According to the Guttmacher Institute, ten other states already require ultrasounds for women seeking abortions. The institute, which supports abortion rights, has criticized these laws for placing unnecessary barriers on women. Still, supporters argue that requiring an ultrasound provides women with more information before making a final decision.
Women may have to travel long distances to get ultrasounds
Under the new law, women must now travel to get an ultrasound before proceeding with a pill abortion. They are not required to view the ultrasound image, but the procedure must take place at least 48 hours before taking abortion medication. This requirement may create challenges for women in rural areas, where medical facilities offering ultrasounds could be far away. Some critics argue that the law places an unnecessary burden on women, especially those who already struggle with limited access to healthcare.
Women will not be punished for skipping an ultrasound, but doctors face fines and jail time
Women who do not get an ultrasound before a pill abortion will not face any legal penalties under the new law. However, medical providers who fail to arrange the ultrasound could face serious consequences. Doctors and healthcare providers who violate the requirement could be fined up to $9,000 and sentenced to six months in jail. This provision has raised concerns among medical professionals, some of whom worry about legal risks and possible criminal charges.
Wyoming has few abortion providers left after stricter laws shut down services
Wyoming already has very few abortion providers, and the new law could make access even more difficult. Last week, the state’s only full-service abortion clinic stopped offering all abortion services. This decision came after the governor signed a separate law requiring such clinics to be licensed as surgical centers. Now, with even more restrictions in place, it is unclear how many providers will continue offering pill abortions in the state.
Uncertainty remains as Wyoming’s abortion clinics struggle with legal battles
The future of abortion services in Wyoming remains uncertain. Wellspring Health Access, an abortion provider in Casper, is carefully reviewing its next steps. The clinic is concerned about violating the law while it continues challenging state abortion restrictions in court. Meanwhile, Wyoming’s only other provider of pill abortions, a family medicine practice in Jackson, has not responded to questions. It is unclear whether they will continue offering abortion medication. As legal battles continue, abortion access in Wyoming remains in question.
