Wyoming Supreme Court strikes down near-total abortion bans, upholding women's right to choose.
In a landmark decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court has ruled that two near-total abortion bans in the state are unconstitutional, effectively keeping abortion legal in the conservative state. The 4-1 decision struck down laws that included an exclusive ban on abortion pills and aimed to restrict access to the procedure except in cases of rape or incest.
The court's majority opinion stated that the laws violated a 2012 state constitutional amendment that guarantees competent adults' right to make their own healthcare decisions. This amendment was passed as part of Wyoming's response to the Affordable Care Act, highlighting the state's commitment to protecting individual rights.
"This ruling is a victory for the fundamental right of people across Wyoming to make decisions about their own lives and health," said Julie Burkhart, president of Wellspring Health Access, the state's lone abortion clinic. "Today, the Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed what we've always known to be true: abortion is essential healthcare, and the government should not interfere in personal decisions about our health."
The decision comes as several states are now considering amending their state constitutions to include or exclude abortion rights. Advocates are working to get abortion-related measures on the ballot in Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Virginia.
In related news, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has called the ruling "profoundly unfortunate" and urged state legislators to propose a constitutional amendment that would address the issue. However, such an amendment would require a two-thirds vote to be introduced for consideration during the legislative session.
The decision marks a significant victory for abortion rights in Wyoming and sets a precedent for other states considering similar laws. As the battle over abortion access continues nationwide, this ruling demonstrates the power of the judiciary in protecting individual rights and freedoms.
Meanwhile, anti-abortion advocates have faced setbacks in Washington DC, as Donald Trump has been advised to be "flexible" on the Hyde amendment, which blocks federal dollars from being used to pay for abortions. The comment sparked outrage among abortion opponents, who have long grown frustrated with Trump's tendency to flip-flop on the issue.
The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing debate over abortion access and highlights the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms. As the country continues to grapple with this complex issue, the Wyoming Supreme Court's decision serves as a reminder of the power of the judiciary in shaping the course of public policy.
In a landmark decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court has ruled that two near-total abortion bans in the state are unconstitutional, effectively keeping abortion legal in the conservative state. The 4-1 decision struck down laws that included an exclusive ban on abortion pills and aimed to restrict access to the procedure except in cases of rape or incest.
The court's majority opinion stated that the laws violated a 2012 state constitutional amendment that guarantees competent adults' right to make their own healthcare decisions. This amendment was passed as part of Wyoming's response to the Affordable Care Act, highlighting the state's commitment to protecting individual rights.
"This ruling is a victory for the fundamental right of people across Wyoming to make decisions about their own lives and health," said Julie Burkhart, president of Wellspring Health Access, the state's lone abortion clinic. "Today, the Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed what we've always known to be true: abortion is essential healthcare, and the government should not interfere in personal decisions about our health."
The decision comes as several states are now considering amending their state constitutions to include or exclude abortion rights. Advocates are working to get abortion-related measures on the ballot in Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Virginia.
In related news, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has called the ruling "profoundly unfortunate" and urged state legislators to propose a constitutional amendment that would address the issue. However, such an amendment would require a two-thirds vote to be introduced for consideration during the legislative session.
The decision marks a significant victory for abortion rights in Wyoming and sets a precedent for other states considering similar laws. As the battle over abortion access continues nationwide, this ruling demonstrates the power of the judiciary in protecting individual rights and freedoms.
Meanwhile, anti-abortion advocates have faced setbacks in Washington DC, as Donald Trump has been advised to be "flexible" on the Hyde amendment, which blocks federal dollars from being used to pay for abortions. The comment sparked outrage among abortion opponents, who have long grown frustrated with Trump's tendency to flip-flop on the issue.
The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing debate over abortion access and highlights the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms. As the country continues to grapple with this complex issue, the Wyoming Supreme Court's decision serves as a reminder of the power of the judiciary in shaping the course of public policy.
I feel like we've come full circle, you know? Abortion access is still a hot topic, and it's crazy how far we've come (and sometimes not so far) since then. This decision by the Wyoming Supreme Court feels like a breath of fresh air, but at the same time, it's just another reminder that we're still fighting for the right to choose. I'm glad to see organizations like Wellspring Health Access standing strong and advocating for women's rights. It makes me think back to the days when reproductive health was considered a human right... 
... like, it's personal choice, you know? Everyone's body, everyone gets to decide what happens with it. And these laws are literally just trying to take that away from women 
. I mean, I'm all for making smart decisions about your own health, but come on... this is getting out of hand 
.
This is a huge win for reproductive rights and I'm so hyped about it! 
I mean, who wants the government telling them what to do with their own bodies? Not me, that's for sure! 
The fact that they got to rely on a state constitutional amendment passed in 2012 is just amazing. It shows that even at the state level, there are still people fighting for what's right! 
The ripple effect of this decision will be felt across the country and I'm so here for it! 
. It's amazing to see the judiciary taking a stand and protecting individual freedoms. I mean, it's not just about abortion - it's about giving people autonomy over their own lives. And to think that there are other states considering similar laws? That's like, super exciting! 
for anyone who's ever felt marginalized or silenced by the system. It's a reminder that we all have the power to create change and fight for what we believe in 
and omg have u seen the comment from governor gordon? "profoundly unfortunate" 
like, dude, what are you even talking about? the people of wyoming just voted for this decision and u can't change it 
So nice to see another state step up its game when it comes to women's health... Wyoming, you're like the cool cousin who finally figured out how to use Snapchat 
. It's about time someone took a stand against outdated laws that are more damaging than a bad case of acne 
. Still, props to Julie Burkhart for keeping it real 
. Maybe Wyoming will be the one to start a national trend 
? Stranger things have happened... right?
Wyoming just became like the cool kid on the block when it comes to abortion rights lol... I mean, can you blame 'em? Their state constitution has that whole healthcare decision thing written down so they're basically forced to keep it legal 
. And honestly, who needs a bunch of politicians deciding what's best for your uterus anyway? It's all about personal choice and autonomy, right?