WYOMING — On March 17, Governor Gordon effectively made abortion illegal in Wyoming by signing a bill banning the abortion pill and allowing the Life is a Human Right Act to go into law without his signature.
SF0109 prohibits chemical abortions and makes it illegal to prescribe or sell any drug for the purpose of performing an abortion. Anyone guilty of violating this law will be punishable by up to six months of imprisonment and a fine up to $9,000.
Women determined by medical judgment to be in imminent peril are the exception, but “as used in this paragraph, ‘imminent peril’ means only a physical condition and shall not include any psychological or emotional conditions.” A claim or diagnosis of self-harm or suicidality are discredited as a basis for exception under this law.
HB0152 defines an unborn baby as a member of the human race and gives them the right to life. Under this law, abortion is not considered health care but the “intentional termination of the life of an unborn baby” and is prohibited.
Governor Gordon did not sign Life is a Human Right Act due to concern that “this new law will only result in a new lawsuit,” according to a press release from his office. The plaintiffs in the current lawsuit have already filed a legal challenge of this new law.
Governor Gordon recommended the Legislature consider putting a constitutional amendment before Wyoming residents to let them decide if they want to add an abortion ban to the state’s constitution.
Life is a Human Right Act is effective immediately.
