Wyoming Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto to Mandate Ultrasounds for Abortion Pills

The new law requires a transvaginal ultrasound and a 48-hour waiting period before obtaining abortion medication, drawing both support and legal challenges.

• Wyoming lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to override Governor Mark Gordon's veto of a bill mandating ultrasounds before medication abortions, with a 22-9 Senate vote and a 45-16 House vote.
• The law requires women seeking abortion pills to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound at least 48 hours before receiving the medication, sparking criticism from reproductive rights advocates.
• Governor Gordon opposed the measure, calling it invasive and unnecessary, particularly for victims of rape or incest, but proponents argue it ensures safety by confirming gestational age and ruling out ectopic pregnancies.
• Medical providers who fail to arrange ultrasounds face penalties of up to $9,000 in fines and six months in jail, though patients themselves will not be penalized for noncompliance.
• Reproductive rights groups, including Chelsea’s Fund, have vowed to challenge the law in court, labeling it unconstitutional and a barrier to abortion access in a state with limited providers.

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