Wyoming state legislators have voted to override Governor Mark Gordon’s veto of a bill requiring ultrasounds for women seeking medication abortions.
The law, which took effect immediately, mandates that patients undergo the procedure at least 48 hours before receiving abortion pills.
The Wyoming House passed the override with a 45-16 vote on Tuesday, followed by a 22-9 vote in the Senate on Wednesday, reaching the two-thirds majority needed to overturn Gordon’s decision.
Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican who has previously supported anti-abortion legislation, vetoed the bill, citing concerns about privacy, medical necessity, and the potential for trauma—especially for victims of rape and incest. In his veto letter, Gordon wrote that the bill could force women to undergo invasive procedures, such as transvaginal ultrasounds, which he described as “unnecessary” and “potentially traumatic.”
Under the new law, healthcare providers must conduct an ultrasound before prescribing abortion pills. Patients will have the option to view the ultrasound image and listen to the fetal heartbeat, if detectable.
Supporters of the legislation argue that ultrasounds provide critical medical information, such as gestational age, and ensure patient safety. House Speaker Chip Neiman, the bill’s sponsor, stated:
“We’re not stopping you from having the abortion. We’re just making sure it works the way it’s intended.”
Opponents, including reproductive rights advocates, have strongly criticized the law. Christine Lichtenfels, director of Chelsea’s Fund, called it “a radical government overreach”, arguing that it imposes unnecessary hurdles for women seeking abortion care.
Wyoming has been at the center of abortion restrictions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The state has attempted to ban abortion pills and enact a near-total abortion ban, but both measures are currently facing legal challenges.
Wyoming now joins 10 other states that require ultrasounds before an abortion, with eight of those states also requiring providers to offer patients the option to view the images.
Opponents of the bill, including Chelsea’s Fund, have announced plans to challenge the law in court, arguing it places unconstitutional restrictions on abortion access.
For now, the law remains in effect, adding another layer of restriction to abortion access in Wyoming.
With input from the Washington Post and the Hill.
