State Abortion Laws in Wyoming

1. How accessible is abortion in Wyoming?


Abortion access is very limited in Wyoming. There is only one clinic in the state that offers abortion services. The clinic, located in Cheyenne, requires women to travel long distances to access services and the state has multiple restrictive laws that make it difficult for women to obtain abortions.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Wyoming?


The legal gestational limit for abortion in Wyoming is 20 weeks.

3. Does Wyoming require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?


Yes, Wyoming requires parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must obtain the written consent of one parent or legal guardian before they can obtain an abortion.

4. Does Wyoming mandate waiting periods before an abortion?


Yes, Wyoming mandates a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Wyoming require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?


Yes. Wyoming requires the disclosure of the following information prior to an abortion: the nature of the proposed procedure, the immediate and long-term medical risks associated with the procedure, the probable gestational age of the fetus, and medical assistance available in case of injury or complication. Additionally, physicians must advise patients that a printed description of fetal development is available free of charge.

6. Does Wyoming provide public funding for abortion services?


No, Wyoming does not provide public funding for abortion services.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Wyoming?


Yes, there are exceptions to the gestational limit in Wyoming. The law states that an abortion may be performed after 20 weeks if “it is necessary to preserve the life or physical health of the pregnant woman or if the fetus is affected by a severe and irreversible abnormality.” Additionally, if the fetus is not viable, an abortion may be performed after 20 weeks.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Wyoming?


Yes, a physician or medical facility can refuse to provide abortion services in Wyoming. Health care providers are not required to participate in any abortion procedure or provide referrals for abortion services.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Wyoming?


Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Wyoming. Specifically, the state requires that all abortions must be performed by a licensed physician and only in a licensed facility. The state also requires that all women seeking an abortion must receive counseling from a medical professional at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. Additionally, minors must obtain parental consent before undergoing an abortion. Furthermore, medication abortions are only allowed up until the 9th week of gestational age. Lastly, all abortions are subject to a 24-hour waiting period.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Wyoming?


Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Wyoming. The Wyoming Department of Health states that prior to an abortion being performed, the doctor must provide a patient with information regarding the risks, alternatives, and consequences of the procedure as well as provide them with the opportunity to ask questions. Additionally, the patient must sign a form indicating they understand the information they were provided and give their consent for the procedure to be performed.

11. Does Wyoming allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?


No, Wyoming does not allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Wyoming?


No, specific medical facilities in Wyoming are not required to provide abortions. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Wyoming has very few abortion clinics. The state has only one clinic that provides abortions and that clinic is located in Cheyenne.

13. Does Wyoming have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?


Yes, Wyoming does have regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. The regulations are outlined in the Wyoming Administrative Code, Title 23, Chapter 4, Section 12. These regulations require that all health care providers offering post-abortion care must provide comprehensive and appropriate follow-up care and counseling services to patients who have had an abortion. Additionally, providers must ensure that patients receive accurate and timely information about all available post-abortion services and resources, including but not limited to physical and emotional health services, contraception counseling, and referral services.

14. Does Wyoming have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?


Yes, Wyoming has restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, it is illegal to protest within a certain distance of a facility providing abortions. This distance is at least one hundred (100) feet from the facility’s entrance and includes the adjacent sidewalks, streets, and public ways. In addition, any protest activity must be limited to peaceful activities and cannot include physical contact or any type of verbal or physical intimidation.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Wyoming?


No, health insurance plans do not cover abortion services in Wyoming. The state does not allow public funds to be used for abortion procedures, with exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, or if the woman’s life is at risk. Private insurance plans may choose to cover abortion services, but it is not required by law.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Wyoming?


Yes, fetal tissue must be disposed of in accordance with regulations established by the Wyoming Department of Health, which includes incineration or burial.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Wyoming?


In Wyoming, fetal remains must be treated with respect and disposed of in a manner approved by the local health department or Board of Health. This may include burial or cremation. The decision as to how the remains are to be handled rests with the parent or guardian of the fetus. If the parent or guardian is unwilling or unable to make a decision, the health department or Board of Health may make arrangements for disposal. It should be noted that, if requested, the health department or Board of Health may provide a burial or cremation at no cost to the parent or guardian.

18. Does Wyoming recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?


Yes, Wyoming recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Wyoming?


Yes, Wyoming does have laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian and written permission from a court order before obtaining an abortion in Wyoming. Minors may also seek a judicial bypass if they are unable to obtain parental consent for the procedure.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Wyoming?


Yes, minors in Wyoming have the right to seek a judicial bypass to obtain an abortion without parental consent. The minor must file a petition in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the court will then determine whether the minor is mature and sufficiently well informed to make an informed decision. If the court decides that the minor is mature and well informed, the court will issue an order permitting the minor to consent to the abortion without parental notification.