Abortion State Constitutional Amendments in Wyoming

1. What is the legal status of abortion in Wyoming?


In Wyoming, abortion is legal. However, there are certain restrictions and regulations that must be followed. For example, an abortion can only be performed after a 24-hour waiting period and with the consent of both parents if the patient is a minor. Additionally, only licensed physicians may perform abortions in Wyoming.

2. Does Wyoming have any laws restricting abortion access?


Yes, Wyoming does have laws restricting abortion access. State law requires that before a woman can obtain an abortion, she must receive certain information from the doctor performing the procedure at least 24 hours prior to the abortion. The woman must also sign a form indicating that she received and understood the information. The law also restricts the use of state funds to pay for abortions, except in cases of life endangerment.

3. Does Wyoming require parental notification for a minor to obtain an abortion?


No, Wyoming does not require parental notification for a minor to obtain an abortion. However, minors are still required to have the consent of a parent or guardian for any non-emergency medical care.

4. Does Wyoming offer Medicaid coverage for abortion services?


No, Wyoming does not offer Medicaid coverage for abortion services. The state does not provide any public funding for abortion services, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.

5. Does Wyoming require a waiting period before an abortion is performed?


Yes, Wyoming requires a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion is performed.

6. Does Wyoming allow for the use of public funds to pay for abortions?


No, Wyoming does not allow for the use of public funds to pay for abortions.

7. Does Wyoming require any type of counseling before a woman can obtain an abortion?


Yes, Wyoming requires that individuals seeking an abortion receive counseling from a qualified healthcare provider about the risks of having an abortion. The counseling must also include information about available resources for prenatal care, childbirth, and adoption. The counseling must be provided at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.

8. Are there any restrictions in Wyoming on late-term abortions?


Yes. In Wyoming, abortions after 20 weeks are generally prohibited. Additionally, abortions can only be performed by a physician who has admitting privileges at a hospital located within 30 miles of the abortion facility.

9. Does Wyoming have a law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital?


No, Wyoming does not have a law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital.

10. Does Wyoming have any laws requiring the counseling of women on the potential risks of abortion?


No, Wyoming does not have any laws requiring counseling of women on the potential risks of abortion.

11. Does Wyoming have a state constitutional amendment which protects the rights of the unborn?


Yes. Wyoming passed a state constitutional amendment in 2014 that states, “The right to abortion is not secured by this Constitution; the State of Wyoming shall protect the right of unborn children by recognizing and supporting the sanctity of unborn human life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life.”

12. How does Wyoming define legal and illegal abortions?


The Wyoming state government defines legal abortions as any procedure performed by a licensed physician that terminates the pregnancy of a woman and does not harm her health. Illegal abortions are any procedure that is not done by a licensed physician or that harms the health of the woman.

13. Is medically necessary or emergency abortions available in Wyoming without restriction?


No, medically necessary and emergency abortions are not available in Wyoming without restriction. In Wyoming, abortion is only legal in certain circumstances, such as when the woman’s health or life is in danger, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when the fetus has a fatal anomaly.

14. What laws govern the regulation of abortion clinics in Wyoming?


The Wyoming Department of Health regulates abortion clinics and other healthcare facilities in Wyoming. Under Wyoming Statute 35-6-102, abortion clinics must be licensed and inspected to ensure they are in compliance with safety, sanitation, and health standards. Clinics must meet standards for the protection of the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Additional regulations include requirements for record keeping, licensing of personnel, facility design and construction standards, infection control procedures, emergency services and transfer agreements, and protocols for the disposal of human tissue.

15. Do women in Wyoming need to register for an abortion in advance?


No, women in Wyoming do not need to register for an abortion in advance. However, there are other restrictions in place for obtaining an abortion in Wyoming, such as requiring parental consent for minors, a 24 hour waiting period, and mandatory counseling before the procedure can take place.

16. Does Wyoming’s policy on abortion provide any exemptions for victims of rape or incest?


Yes, Wyoming’s policy on abortion does provide exemptions for victims of rape or incest. Specifically, the state allows for an abortion to be performed if it’s necessary to preserve the life and health of the pregnant woman, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

17. Is informed consent required before an abortion in Wyoming?


Yes. In Wyoming, all abortions must be performed with the informed consent of the patient.

18. What happens if an underage girl in Wyoming obtains an abortion without parental consent?


In Wyoming, it is illegal for a minor under 18 years old to obtain an abortion without parental consent or a court order. In such cases, the doctor performing the procedure could be charged with a misdemeanor crime, and may be subject to fines and/or jail time. The minor may also be subject to legal consequences or charges, depending on the circumstances.

19. How does Wyoming’s policy on abortion affect low-income women and minorities?


Wyoming’s policy on abortion is restrictive, with state laws banning abortion except in cases of danger to the mother’s life or health, or in cases of rape or incest. This policy disproportionately affects low-income women and minorities, who may not have the financial means to travel out of state to access abortion services. Additionally, restrictions on abortion disproportionately impact minority communities, which are more likely to experience poverty and lack of access to quality health care.

20. Is there a state constitutional amendment in Wyoming protecting the right to reproductive autonomy?


No, there is no state constitutional amendment in Wyoming protecting the right to reproductive autonomy.