Wyoming Legislators Continue Efforts to Shape Abortion Policy
Wyoming’s Republican lawmakers are persisting in their efforts to refine abortion regulations in the state, advocating for measures they believe align with the state’s values and public safety interests, Wyo File reports.
While previous legislative attempts to ban abortion outright have faced judicial challenges, legislators remain committed to introducing new proposals aimed at regulating abortion access in Wyoming.
A key focus of this session is House Bill 42 – Regulation of Surgical Abortions, sponsored by Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland). The bill seeks to establish stricter requirements for Wellspring Health Access in Casper, Wyoming’s sole provider of procedural abortions. Proponents argue that these regulations ensure the highest standards of care for women undergoing abortions.
Rep. Lawley’s bill reflects a national trend of targeted restrictions on abortion providers, known as TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) laws. These measures impose specific standards on clinics to bring them in line with regulations for ambulatory surgical centers, which proponents say enhance patient safety. Critics contend the regulations are medically unnecessary and financially burdensome.
Supporters of HB 42 argue that regulating abortion providers at the same level as ambulatory surgical centers is essential for ensuring quality healthcare. The proposed changes include requirements for hospital-admitting privileges for physicians and upgrades to clinic facilities. While such measures have faced opposition in other states, many conservatives believe they represent a commitment to safeguarding women’s health.
House Bill 64, introduced by Rep. Chip Neiman (R-Hulett), takes a different approach by requiring women seeking medication abortions to undergo an ultrasound at least two days before receiving the prescription. Supporters argue that this provision ensures informed consent, providing women with the opportunity to make a fully informed decision about their pregnancy.
“Women’s safety is at the heart of these measures,” Neiman said. “These steps are designed to provide support and care at every stage of the decision-making process.”
Gov. Mark Gordon, a pro-life Republican, has previously expressed concern about passing abortion-related laws that could face immediate legal challenges. In March 2023, Gordon vetoed a similar bill, citing the ongoing judicial review of existing abortion restrictions. His veto reflected a desire for clarity in Wyoming’s legal landscape before introducing additional regulations.
Despite judicial setbacks, many Republicans remain optimistic about the future of abortion-related legislation in Wyoming. The conservative majority in the US Supreme Court has opened the door for states to reassess their approaches to regulating abortion.
Wyoming residents hold a range of opinions on abortion. A University of Wyoming survey revealed that only 10% of respondents favored a complete abortion ban, while 70% supported restrictions with specific exemptions or broader personal choice.
