Dear editor:
On October 14, 2025, Ms. Janean Forsyth of Laramie accused pregnancy centers with serious claims of dishonesty.
As a certified Family Nurse Practitioner that works in one of the said clinics in Wyoming, I would like to clarify some of her charges.
Because most pregnancy centers in Wyoming have the status as a religious organization, we indeed have privileges under the separation of church and state.
Most people know that to provide medical care you need a license to do so. Pregnancy care centers provide numerous services. Anyone performing ultrasounds must receive rigorous training to perform Limited Obstetric Ultrasounds.
These are limited to (1) locating the fetus (2) detecting the fetal heartbeat and (3) determining the gestational age through measurement, which is clearly discussed and explained in our written consent form.
The pregnancy center in Cheyenne that operates without government funding has a medical director that is a local OB-GYN provider, another retired OB-GYN that volunteers his services in the office, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in Wyoming, and two Wyoming Registered Nurses.
Besides free pregnancy testing and Limited Obstetric Ultrasounds, we also provide free STI testing with treatment and Well Woman exams with screenings.
We take our ethical responsibilities as medical professionals seriously, and yes, we offer informed reproductive health choices through education and advocacy for each of our clients.
We are clear in the office and our website that we do not refer to or provide abortions. As a religious organization, we have freedom to state our beliefs that life begins at conception.
During the recent state Labor, Health, and Social Services Committee meeting on October 16th, the state’s problematic shortage of OB-GYN providers was discussed extensively.
This shortage is very much related to delays in starting prenatal care.
Because of this many providers refer to us for initial pregnancy testing and the first ultrasound.
At no cost to taxpayers, pregnancy centers help relieve the burden of the rural maternity desert problem across Wyoming.
Sincerely,
Michele Summers, PhD, FNP-C
