There was previously a strict ban on abortion in the US state of Wyoming. Women and organizations sued against it – with success: a judge has now overturned the laws and argued on the basis of women's fundamental rights.
A judge has struck down the general abortion ban in the US state of Wyoming – including the nation's first explicit ban on abortion pills. Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens said in her ruling that the abortion laws restrict women's fundamental right to make decisions about their own health care.
Four women – including two obstetricians – and two organizations challenged the laws. Their arguments: The bans would affect their health, well-being and livelihood. The legislation would also violate a 2012 constitutional amendment that gives Wyoming residents the freedom to make their own health care decisions.
“Undermines the integrity of the profession”
Judge Owens agreed and further argued that the abortion ban “undermines the integrity of the medical profession by limiting the ability of physicians to provide evidence-based medicine to their patients.”
Julie Burkhart, president of Wellspring Health Access – one of the nonprofits involved – said, “This is a wonderful day for the citizens of Wyoming – and for women everywhere who should have control over their own bodies.”
Litigation across the country
Since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in June 2022 to repeal national abortion rights and transfer legislative power to individual states, litigation has increased across the country.
Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Nevada and New York have constitutional protections for the right to abortion. The way has now been cleared in Missouri to repeal one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country. In Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota, however, similar amendments were rejected – so the ban remains in place there.
Citizens in these states voted on abortion laws parallel to the US election. Abortion rights were a major issue in the election campaign and were seen as an important factor in voter mobilization.
