FORT COLLINS, Colo. (RTW) — Abortion will remain legal in Wyoming after the state Supreme Court struck down laws that included bans on abortion pills, ruling that they violate the Wyoming constitution. This ruling represents a significant victory for those advocating for reproductive rights in the state.
The court's decision, announced on Tuesday, came in response to challenges brought forth by Wellspring Health Access, Wyoming's only abortion clinic, and advocacy groups, including Chelsea’s Fund. They argued that the bans enacted since 2022 infringed upon a constitutional amendment guaranteeing individuals the right to make their own health care decisions.
The justices recognized the amendment was not crafted with abortion in mind but noted that it remains their duty to interpret the language as it stands. They expressed that lawmakers could propose a clearer constitutional amendment if they wish to further address this contentious issue.
State attorneys contended that abortion should not be classified as part of health care, a stance roundly rejected by the justices.
“We recognize that this ruling may settle, for now, a legal question, but it does not conclude the moral debate surrounding abortion rights, nor does it reflect where many Wyoming residents stand,” said Gov. Mark Gordon. He expressed disappointment at the ruling and called for lawmakers to consider an amendment to definitively ban abortion.
As lawmakers convene for their legislative session, they could bring forth proposals to amend the constitution, which would require a two-thirds majority to be presented to the voters.
The overturned laws included stringent regulations that would have essentially banned abortions except in life-threatening cases, and one that would have made Wyoming the only state with an explicit ban on abortion pills. Despite these attempts to limit access, abortion has continued to remain legal in Wyoming, largely due to earlier judicial interventions.
This ruling not only reaffirms existing protections but also reflects the ongoing national dialogue surrounding reproductive rights following the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. While the verdict has brought relief to supporters of abortion rights, it signals that the debate is far from settled as political and legal battles continue across the country.
The court's decision, announced on Tuesday, came in response to challenges brought forth by Wellspring Health Access, Wyoming's only abortion clinic, and advocacy groups, including Chelsea’s Fund. They argued that the bans enacted since 2022 infringed upon a constitutional amendment guaranteeing individuals the right to make their own health care decisions.
The justices recognized the amendment was not crafted with abortion in mind but noted that it remains their duty to interpret the language as it stands. They expressed that lawmakers could propose a clearer constitutional amendment if they wish to further address this contentious issue.
State attorneys contended that abortion should not be classified as part of health care, a stance roundly rejected by the justices.
“We recognize that this ruling may settle, for now, a legal question, but it does not conclude the moral debate surrounding abortion rights, nor does it reflect where many Wyoming residents stand,” said Gov. Mark Gordon. He expressed disappointment at the ruling and called for lawmakers to consider an amendment to definitively ban abortion.
As lawmakers convene for their legislative session, they could bring forth proposals to amend the constitution, which would require a two-thirds majority to be presented to the voters.
The overturned laws included stringent regulations that would have essentially banned abortions except in life-threatening cases, and one that would have made Wyoming the only state with an explicit ban on abortion pills. Despite these attempts to limit access, abortion has continued to remain legal in Wyoming, largely due to earlier judicial interventions.
This ruling not only reaffirms existing protections but also reflects the ongoing national dialogue surrounding reproductive rights following the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. While the verdict has brought relief to supporters of abortion rights, it signals that the debate is far from settled as political and legal battles continue across the country.
