DATE: November 19, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rep. Mike Yin, (307) 201-9897
Wyoming’s Abortion Ban Overturned: A Win for Health Care Freedom
Jackson – The Wyoming Democratic Caucus supports the court’s decision yesterday to protect the freedom and health of all Wyomingites. The case was based on the Wyoming Constitution, which says people in our state have the right to make their own health care decisions. Over 75% of Wyoming voters supported this part of the Constitution in 2012.
“The key finding in the opinion is that abortion care is health care, as that term would have been understood by the voters who adopted the amendment in 2012,” said Rep. Ken Chestek.
“Making your own health care decisions means being able to get care without confusing, harmful mandates from the state that risk your health and even your future ability to raise a family,” said House Minority Floor Leader Mike Yin. “Abortion bans take away personal freedom and put women’s lives in danger. In other states, we’ve seen these bans cause unnecessary deaths and make it harder for a woman to become pregnant in the future,” added Rep. Liz Storer. “Pregnancy is complicated, and women need to be free to make health care choices without the interference of the government,” stated Rep. Karlee Provenza.
The Caucus remains concerned with lawmakers’ continuing efforts interfering in healthcare that will drive medical professionals out of Wyoming, making it difficult for the state to retain young families.
To protect safe pregnancies and give clear rules for doctors, Wyoming Democrats will bring back the Wyoming Reproductive Freedom Act in the 2025 legislative session. This bill will help ensure that everyone, including pregnant women, can make their own health care decisions.
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