As efforts to restrict the use of abortion pills gain momentum across the nation, a bill has been introduced by the Republican-controlled legislature.
The state of Wyoming has made it illegal to use or prescribe medication abortion pills, with Governor Mark Gordon signing a bill into law that was previously passed by the Republican-controlled legislature. The bill, which spans two pages, includes a provision that prohibits the sale, distribution, dispensing, or use of any drug for the purpose of procuring or performing an abortion.
The ban does not apply to the so-called “morning-after” pills, which are prescription contraceptive medications taken after sexual intercourse but before confirmation of pregnancy.
The legislation also features an exception for treatments required to safeguard a woman’s life or health from a significant risk, as well as for any treatment for a spontaneous abortion that adheres to medically recognized protocols.
Any breach of the ban will be regarded as a misdemeanor offense punishable by a jail term of up to six months and a maximum fine of $9,000. The legislation specifies that a woman who undergoes or attempts a chemical abortion should not be charged with a crime. Antonio Serrano, the advocacy director for Wyoming ACLU, denounced the governor’s approval of the law in a statement.
Following the June ruling, states have had the authority to impose restrictions on abortion, and the situation has changed rapidly. Currently, thirteen states have implemented prohibitions on abortion at any stage of pregnancy, while Georgia has barred it once cardiac activity becomes detectable, typically at around six weeks into gestation.
