A measure that would impose a 48-hour waiting period on women seeking an abortion won final approval from the House on Friday.
HB 197 was approved on the House floor on its third and final reading by a vote of 39-17.
The bill was amended to reduce a proposed sentence of 10 years for doctors who do not observe the waiting period to one year, a $1,000 fine or both.
The change was supported by Rep. Tyler Lindholm, R-Sundance, who said the penalty originally proposed in the bill was too strict.
“To apply a 10-year felony provision to that when we don’t apply the same standard to a rapist is absurd,” he said.
However, other amendments that would have reimbursed women for temporary housing, meals and other expenses while waiting the 48 hours was rejected.
Rep. Sara Burlingame, D-Cheyenne, said the amendment would have provided much needed support for women who are poor.
“I am trusting this body to say if we’re gonig to ask women to do this, we will set aside the money,” she said. “Not for all women. If you have means and you can go to Jackson, you’re on your own. But if you’re poor, then the state acknowledges your right to medical care … “
The vote sends the bill to the Senate for its review.
