A bill to impose a 48-hour waiting period on women seeking abortions won final approval in Wyoming’s House on Friday.
After extensive debate, HB 140 was sent to the Senate for its review on a vote of 36-22.
State law requires doctors to offer women seeking abortions a chance to see an ultrasound of the fetus or hear a recording of its heartbeat. Under HB 140, an abortion could not be performed until 48 hours after that offer is made.
Supporters argued it makes sense to set a waiting period before undertaking such a procedure.
“Unless it’s an emergency surgery, to go in and have an invasive surgery the very same day, that’s not health care,” said Rep. Scott Clem, R-Gillette. “That’s pure negligence.”
Opponents maintained the state should not be involved in a decision to seek an abortion.
“I want me, my husband and the doctor (involved),” said Rep. Cathy Connolly, D-Laramie. “You stay out.”
The bill would waive the waiting period in emergencies.
