CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon has vetoed House Bill 0064, “Chemical abortions-ultrasound requirement,” which would require that people seeking abortions undergo a transvaginal ultrasound before the procurement of a chemical abortion. Gordon identifies himself as pro-life, and has been active in banning abortion in the Equality State since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.
In his veto letter dated Monday, March 3, Gordon wrote, “If this Act were to become law, it creates the prospect of an unnecessary, intimate and invasive procedure (transvaginal ultrasound) which subjects women to an uncomfortable and potentially traumatic experience in what may already be a very overwhelming situation. I question whether this invasive ultrasound is absolutely necessary, fully informative or can even be considered a reasonable requirement for this procedure regardless of the circumstances resulting in the pregnancy.”
In addition, Gordon pointed to the potential psychological effects of undergoing an invasive ultrasound for people who have experienced sexual assault. He also called out the continuing battle over abortion’s legality in the state as an argument against this bill.
“We are all too familiar with the recent litigation of pro-life laws in Wyoming, and that the constitutionality of Life is a Human Right Act and Prohibiting Chemical Abortions law is currently pending before the Wyoming Supreme Court,” Gordon wrote. “Passing new abortion laws before the Supreme Court rules invites additional litigation.”
Last week, Gordon endorsed and signed House Bill 42, “Regulation of surgical abortions,” which subjects the only remaining abortion clinic in the state to new requirements. In his veto, he notes that Natrona County District Court has challenged the new law, adding, “For the record, the Plaintiff’s premature filing against this law is a foolish strategy and has not influenced my decision over my disposition of this Act.”
Read Gordon’s full veto letter here.
