Wyoming Governor Signs Law Banning Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
Republican Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming recently signed a bill that prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender minors, making Wyoming the latest state to implement such a ban.
Abortion Restrictions and Regulations
While rejecting an abortion bill that would have imposed new regulations on abortion facilities, Governor Gordon approved legislation that places significant barriers on abortion services in the state. The new law requires facilities to be licensed as outpatient surgical centers for providing surgical abortions, increasing operational costs and burdens.
Additionally, women seeking abortions in Wyoming must undergo ultrasounds at least 48 hours before the procedure, whether it is a pill-induced or surgical abortion. This is to determine the gestational age, location of the fetus, and the viability of the pregnancy.
Legal Challenges and Impact on Abortion Clinics
Abortion is currently legal in Wyoming, but the fate of the procedure is uncertain due to pending legal challenges against new laws. The legislation primarily targets Wellspring Health Access, the only full-service abortion clinic in the state.
Governor Gordon emphasized the need for proper regulation of clinics but vetoed the bill, citing concerns about potential legal vulnerabilities. He stated that the state is nearing a decision on the constitutionality of abortion in Wyoming.
Concerns and Opposition
Clinic officials, including founder Julie Burkhart, expressed opposition to the bill, highlighting the additional costs and requirements it imposes. The measure mandates that abortions be performed only by licensed physicians with admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
According to Burkhart, the new regulations would force Wellspring to undergo costly renovations to meet ambulatory surgical facility standards and obtain medically unnecessary admitting privileges. This could result in the closure of the clinic, limiting access to essential healthcare services.
Impact on Women’s Access to Healthcare
Burkhart raised concerns about the bill’s effects on women, who may have to travel long distances and take time off work to comply with the ultrasound requirement. She argued that outlawing abortion would not eliminate the need for such healthcare services and could harm those in need of abortion care.