Wyoming Abortion Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 22, 2022
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Summary
Abortion is illegal in Wyoming except in cases of rape or incest or the mother is at risk of death or serious harm.
Introduction
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which returned to the states the power to regulate abortion.
Wyoming has a "trigger ban" in place that prohibits most abortions now that Roe has been overruled. That law goes into effect five days after the governor certifies the Dobbs ruling to the secretary of state.
Wyoming Statutes
Abortion laws in Wyoming are highlighted in the chart below.
| Code Section | 35-6-102 |
| Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion | An abortion shall not be performed except when necessary to preserve the woman from a serious risk of death or of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including any psychological or emotional conditions, or the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape. |
| Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion | Abortion allowed only if necessary to preserve the woman from a serious risk of death or of a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function (not including any psychological or emotional conditions) or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. |
| Penalty for Unlawful Abortion | M.D. aborting viable fetus, use of other than accepted medical procedures, person other than M.D. performing abortion: felony, imprisonment up to 14 years |
| Physician Licensing Requirements | Licensed M.D. |
Wyoming Abortion Laws: Related Resources
The choice to have an abortion can have serious emotional and legal consequences. If you would like legal assistance with an abortion matter, or just want to know your rights and responsibilities, you can contact a health care attorney in Wyoming. You can also visit FindLaw’s sections on abortion, birth control, and health care law for more information and resources on this topic.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.