1. What is the definition of a late-term abortion in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, a late-term abortion is defined as any abortion that is performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
2. What are the time limits for late-term abortions in Wyoming?
Under Wyoming law, abortion is prohibited after the point of viability (typically considered to be between 24-26 weeks gestation) unless necessary to protect the life of the mother or the unborn child. There are no specific time limits for late-term abortions in Wyoming.
3. Does Wyoming allow for late-term abortions due to fetal anomalies?
No. Wyoming does not allow for late-term abortions due to fetal anomalies. According to Title 22 of the Wyoming statutes, late-term abortions (performed after 20 weeks of gestation) are illegal, except in cases where the life or health of the mother is at risk. Fetal anomalies do not qualify as an exception.
4. Does Wyoming permit Medicaid funding for late-term abortions?
No, Wyoming does not permit Medicaid funding for late-term abortions. Under Wyoming law, Medicaid benefits are not available to cover the cost of abortion except where a pregnancy endangers the life or health of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest.
5. Does Wyoming require parental consent or notification for minors seeking a late-term abortion?
No, Wyoming does not require parental consent or notification for minors seeking a late-term abortion.
6. Does Wyoming provide exceptions to the time limits for late-term abortions in cases of rape or incest?
Yes. In Wyoming, a woman may obtain an abortion after the point of fetal viability with the consent of the attending physician and two consulting physicians if: (1) continuation of the pregnancy is likely to result in death of the woman or cause serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major physical or mental function; (2) termination is necessary to avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major physical or mental function; (3) the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest; or (4) the abortion is necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman.
7. Does Wyoming require doctors to perform a medical test to determine gestational age before a late-term abortion?
No. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, there are no specific requirements for gestational age testing before late-term abortions.
8. Does Wyoming require written informed consent from the patient prior to a late-term abortion?
Yes. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, written informed consent from the patient is required before a late-term abortion can be performed in Wyoming, as well as written consents from two physicians.
9. Does Wyoming restrict the use of certain methods for performing late-term abortions?
Yes. The Wyoming Abortion Statute passed in 2015 states that no abortion shall be performed after 20 weeks gestation except when the life of the mother is at risk, or if the fetus has a life-threatening condition. Additionally, the law requires that a physician performing a late-term abortion must use the method most likely to preserve the life and health of the mother.
10. Are there any restrictions on public funding for late-term abortions in Wyoming?
Yes. In Wyoming, the use of public funds for late-term abortions is prohibited except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.
11. How much do late-term abortions typically cost in Wyoming?
It is difficult to provide an exact cost for a late-term abortion in Wyoming, as the total cost will vary depending on the individual circumstances of the patient. A general estimate of costs for a late-term abortion in Wyoming can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
12. Are there any special requirements for facilities that perform late-term abortions in Wyoming?
Yes. All facilities that perform late-term abortions must be licensed by the Wyoming Department of Health and meet all state and federal laws and regulations.
13. Are there any insurance plans available in Wyoming that cover the cost of a late-term abortion?
No, there are no insurance plans available in Wyoming that cover the cost of a late-term abortion. The state does not allow health insurance plans to cover the cost of an abortion procedure, with the exception of those deemed medically necessary.
14. Does Wyoming allow for pre-abortion counseling regarding the risks associated with a late-term abortion procedure?
No. Wyoming does not have any requirements for pre-abortion counseling regarding the risks associated with a late-term abortion procedure.
15. What are the criminal penalties for performing a late-term abortion in Wyoming without meeting legal requirements?
In Wyoming, criminal penalties for performing a late-term abortion without meeting legal requirements can include imprisonment up to two years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
16. Are there any laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains after a late-term abortion in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, it is required that fetal remains resulting from an abortion or miscarriage are to be disposed of “in a dignified manner.” However, there are no specific laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains after late-term abortions.
17. Does Wyoming prohibit health care providers from refusing to perform or refer for a late-term abortion due to moral or religious beliefs?
Yes, Wyoming does not allow health care providers to refuse to perform or refer for a late-term abortion due to moral or religious beliefs.
18. Are there any restrictions on who can provide information about obtaining a late-term abortion in Wyoming?
Yes, there are restrictions on who can provide information about obtaining a late-term abortion in Wyoming. Any provider of abortion services must be a licensed physician, and the abortion must be performed by a physician in a hospital. Additionally, the abortion must be performed for medical necessity or to preserve the life of the mother. The patient must also be informed of the fetus’ age and the risks associated with the procedure before consenting to the abortion.
19. Does Wyoming place any restrictions on advertising regarding late-term abortion services?
Yes, Wyoming places restrictions on advertising regarding late-term abortion services. According to the state’s website, abortion providers are prohibited from advertising the availability of late-term abortions. Additionally, advertising must include information about the physical and psychological risks of the procedure, including the potential for serious adverse effects.
20. Is there any legal recourse available for women who experience complications after undergoing a late-term abortion in Wyoming?
Yes, women who experience complications after undergoing a late-term abortion in Wyoming have legal recourse available to them. The Wyoming Medical Malpractice Act provides for legal recourse in such circumstances. Additionally, if a woman believes she has been the victim of medical malpractice, she may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor responsible for her care.