Last week, the Wyoming House of Representatives passed two bills aimed at enhancing protections for women and preborn children, Live Action reports.
The proposed legislation focuses on informed consent for women seeking chemical abortions and establishes new regulations for abortion facilities.
House Bill 64, sponsored by Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, requires women to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound at least 48 hours before taking the abortion pill. The ultrasound would need to document the preborn child’s age, length, and head diameter, and offer the mother the option to view the fetal heart motion. Violators of this requirement would face felony charges, with penalties including up to five years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. Neiman explained that the bill’s intent is to provide women with additional time to reflect on their decision.
“I absolutely believe life is precious. That we should do everything that we possibly can to protect it,” he said.
The bill passed the House with a vote of 48-13.
House Bill 42, which passed with a vote of 52-8, would impose new standards on abortion facilities, requiring them to meet the same safety regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. These regulations would include wider hallways to accommodate ambulance gurneys and a requirement for abortionists to obtain admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Martha Lawley, emphasized the importance of these measures for ensuring the safety of women, particularly in emergency situations.
“There can be botched abortions, and then there’s a need for a higher level of care for that patient,” she said.
A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate last year but was vetoed by Governor Mark Gordon. Governor Gordon cited concerns over focusing on state laws protecting preborn children from abortion, particularly as that law is involved in ongoing litigation. In November, District Judge Melissa Owens issued an injunction halting the law, ruling it “unconstitutional.” Governor Gordon has indicated that the state plans to appeal the ruling.
Both House Bill 64 and House Bill 42 will now move to the Wyoming State Senate for further consideration.
