Women must now get ultrasound to receive abortion pills in Wyoming

• In order to receive an abortion pill in Wyoming, women must undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. The new requirement went into effect Wednesday, immediately after state lawmakers overrode Gov. Mark Gordon’s veto of the bill.
• Under state law, women planning to obtain abortion pills need to get an ultrasound no less than 48 hours beforehand, which they must pay for.
• While the mandate does not penalize women who do not get an ultrasound, medical providers who violate the law face penalties of up to $9,000 and six months in jail.

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Wyoming will now require women to get a transvaginal ultrasound before receiving an abortion pill abortion in the state.

When does the law take effect and what does it do?

The new requirement went into effect Wednesday, March 5, immediately after state lawmakers overrode Gov. Mark Gordon’s veto of the bill. Under state law, women planning to obtain abortion pills need to get an ultrasound no less than 48 hours beforehand, which they must pay for.

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What are the penalties for breaking the law?

While the mandate does not penalize women who do not get an ultrasound, medical providers who violate the law face penalties of up to $9,000 and six months in jail.

Why did Gov. Gordon veto the bill?

Gordon vetoed the legislation Monday, March 3, calling the ultrasound mandate “personally invasive” and an “often medically unnecessary procedure.” He also noted concerns for rape and incest victims undergoing the procedure.

The legislation offers no exception for women who get pregnant as a result of sexual violence, and some Republican lawmakers who voted to override the governor’s veto are in opposition to the transvaginal ultrasound requirement.

What are Republican lawmakers saying?

State Sen. Gary Crum had introduced an unsuccessful amendment to remove the ultrasound mandate “unless expressly requested” by the woman.

Other conservative legislators disagreed. State Sen. Laura Pearson said the requirement is necessary to determine the proper dose of the abortion pill based on the size of the fetus in the womb, arguing abortion drugs are not safe after specific gestation periods –– not only for the fetus but the mother as well.

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What are abortion rights groups saying?

Abortion rights groups criticized the new law, including Wyoming’s Chelsea Fund.

“We are saddened so many legislators lack empathy and respect for women’s decision-making authority, but we stand ready to fight this unconstitutional, unnecessary and unreasonable bill in court,” Christine Lichtenfels, the advocacy group’s executive director, said in a statement.