Proposal would protect abortion access before viability and for life or health

The bill would bar Wyoming state and local government from denying or interfering with a person’s right to have an abortion in these circumstances. This covers abortions before fetal viability or to protect the person’s life or health. The bill allows limits that it specifically permits. The bill would take effect immediately after all steps needed for it to become law are completed.

A person who provides abortion treatment, medication, or a procedure outside the bill’s permissions would commit a misdemeanor. This applies to anyone who provides treatment, medication, or a procedure intended to end a pregnancy, unless the bill allows it. The penalty could be up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. A provider’s good faith judgment about viability or risks to a person’s life or health would be a complete defense. The state could not penalize someone for helping a person obtain an abortion allowed by the bill. The person receiving or seeking an abortion could not be punished under this act.

The bill would limit when the state could regulate abortions and protect a person’s choice to refuse involvement in one. These provisions cover state abortion rules, people, and private medical facilities. An abortion rule would have to protect the patient’s life or health, fit established medical practice, and use the least restrictive available approach. A person or private medical facility that objects could not be forced by law or contract to take part. No one could face workplace or professional discrimination for taking part or refusing.

If a state program provides maternity care, the state would also have to offer substantially equivalent abortion benefits, services, or information. The offer would be for people otherwise eligible for that program. This would apply if the state provides maternity care directly or through a contract in a program it administers or partly funds.