Wyoming To Ban Use Of Abortion Pills In The State
In one of the latest legislative moves in the United States, the state of Wyoming has made it illegal for doctors to prescribe or provide abortion pills spurring controversy on the rights to abortion in the state. This decision has caused uproar among pro-choice skeptics, as this effectively limits individuals’ access to the procedure. This has implications on the state’s stance on reproductive justice and women’s rights. In this article, we’ll delve into Wyoming’s new ban, the implications, and how to get support if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy in the state.
Overview of The Bill Banning Abortion Pill
At the end of February 2021, the House of Representatives of Wyoming passed a bill barring doctors from prescribing or providing abortion pills as well as abortifacient drugs. The bill, also known as HB 164, makes it illegal to prescribe medication such as mifepristone and misoprostol, which are used to provide medical abortions. The vote followed along party lines which made the bill pass with a 32-3 majority. Wyoming is now the sixth state to adopt such a bill.
Implications of The Abortion Ban
The passing of HB 164 has a far-reaching impact, not only on reproductive justice in Wyoming but also on the United States. There are a number of implications from such a broad prohibition on medication abortions.
Firstly, the restrictions on access to medication abortion have dire implications on the health and well-being of individuals facing an unexpected pregnancy. This is because medication abortion is the safest, most private and efficient way to end a pregnancy. Without access to such medications, the options of individuals with limited resources are limited to surgical abortion and adoption.
The bill has also been criticized due to its infringement on the individual’s right to privacy and autonomy, as it revolves around women’s decision to terminate their pregnancies. This threatens the principles of healthcare autonomy, as abortions become less and less accessible barring the right to free choice. Finally, the bill has had implications on the national legal battle surrounding reproductive rights, showing just one manifestation of the erasure of these constitutional rights.
Arguments For The Ban
In supporting the new ban, Kansas Senator Lynn Hutchings argued that the intention of the bill was to prevent women from risking their lives, as opposed to providing access to abortion. Hutchinson also argued that the pill “often works, simply by killing the child,” and that this was “an unacceptable outcome.” Furthermore, the proponents of the bill argued that medication abortions also debase “the dignity of the unborn and could lead to irreversible consequences for patients.” In the words of Wendy McCammack of the Family Policy Alliance, the bill is “a protection of the least of these,” she said.
Repercussions of The Ban
The repercussions of Wyoming’s new abortion ban are far-reaching and numerous. For starters, this limits individual’s options when it comes to pregnancy termination. Women in the state are now limited to either seeking adoption or obtaining a surgical abortion, both of which present an extra hurdle to access, due to either increased cost or lack of access to these services.
Furthermore, the ban can result in delays of care, as women are first required to sign up for an ultrasound and then wait for 72 hours for the abortion to take place. This delay can have a range of impacts, from further financial costs to additional emotional distress, not to mention those who may be traveling long distances to seek the abortion.
Additionally, the medical abortion ban also gives rise to legal loopholes that could be potentially dangerous to individuals going through an abortion in the state. This is because abortion-inducing medications are now being found on the black market, such as the abortion pill RU-486 which can come with serious side effects and increased risk of failure without the oversight of medical professionals.
Consequences for Healthcare Providers
Finally, the abortion pills ban has ramifications for healthcare providers as well. Providers could now be charged with a felony, sentenced to prison and lose their medical license if they were found giving the abortion pill or any other abortifacient medications that infringe the ban. This further restricts access to abortion in Wyoming, as it will likely lead to many doctors refusing to provide any abortion services in the state, let alone abortion pills.
Options For Those In Need
Despite the abortion restrictions in the state, there are options available if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy in Wyoming.
Firstly, you can reach out to a clinic such as Planned Parenthood of Wyoming or contact other providers in the state. This can provide information on the abortion process, including abortion pills and other abortion procedures.
Additionally, there are a number of support centers for individuals facing an unexpected pregnancy in Wyoming. Additionally, pro-choice organizations such as NARAL Pro Choice America provide resources on rights and choices to those affected by the new abortion pills ban.
Finally, individuals can reach out to their legislators to sign petitions and voice their opinions on the abortion pills ban.
The recent passing of HB 164, the bill banning the provision of abortion pills and other abortifacient medications, has grave implications on reproductive justice in the state of Wyoming. Passages of such legislation further reduce access to safe abortions for individuals with limited financial means or those who live far away from clinics or hospitals. In light of the bill’s passage, it is important to remember that there are still resources for those who are facing an unexpected pregnancy or are looking for support in the state. It is also important to continue educating ourselves and others on the legal and socioeconomic implications of such legislation in the state of Wyoming, and beyond.
