Judge strikes down pro-life Wyoming laws

A judge in Teton County, Wyo. on Monday ruled that two state laws intended to protect unborn babies were unconstitutional. Judge Melissa Owens struck down a law prohibiting the use of abortion pills and a broader law that protected babies from abortion procedures in the state, with a few exceptions including for rape. Owens in 2022 granted a preliminary injunction against the abortion ban and last year put the law banning abortion pills on hold while litigation against the laws moved forward.

What happens now? Abortions are now permitted in the state up until the point when a baby could survive outside the womb. The Wyoming Freedom Caucus criticized the decision, saying that abortion is not healthcare. State Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, wrote on social media that the state needs leaders who will stand up for the unborn and judges who will uphold the will of the people. Bear also told local news outlet WyoFile that the state is likely to appeal the decision. Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill is a Republican.

Dig deeper: Read Matthew Malec’s opinion piece about how pro-life advocates can prepare to combat future abortion referendums.