Healthcare (Women's Health)

HB 138, the "Reproductive Freedom Act," proposes to protect abortion access in Wyoming by prohibiting the state from interfering with a person's right to have an abortion before fetal viability (when the fetus can survive outside the womb) or to protect the person's life or health. It defines key terms like "abortion" and "viability," sets penalties for unauthorized abortions (misdemeanor with up to one year in jail or $5,000 fine), and ensures state regulations must be medically necessary and impose the least restrictions possible. The bill also allows healthcare providers and facilities to refuse participation in abortions without discrimination and prohibits state penalties for aiding abortion seekers. This proposed bill, introduced in February 2026 but not yet considered for debate, would replace current abortion laws if enacted.

HB 117 requires Wyoming abortion providers to obtain written informed consent before performing an elective abortion, ensuring patients receive complete information about the procedure and alternatives. The bill defines coercion (e.g., threatening job loss, scholarship revocation, or physical harm) as a violation, allowing women harmed by negligent or non-consensual abortions to sue providers. It creates civil liability for providers who fail to verify consent or knowingly perform abortions under coercion. The law applies directly to abortion providers and patients in Wyoming, focusing on preventing coercion through legal accountability.

Wyoming's HB 126, the "Human heartbeat act," prohibits most abortion procedures after a detectable fetal heartbeat is identified (typically around 6 weeks gestation), directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them. The bill requires healthcare providers to confirm a detectable heartbeat via standard medical equipment before proceeding with an abortion, except in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the patient's life or major bodily function. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines, and healthcare professionals face mandatory license revocation for noncompliance. The law creates new definitions, exceptions for medical emergencies, and penalties for violations, effective upon enactment.

Wyoming's SF 48, the Stem Cell Freedom Act, allows physicians to recommend and perform stem cell therapy using a patient's own cells (autologous mesenchymal stem cells), provided it follows institutional review board approval, current manufacturing standards, and includes written informed consent acknowledging the therapy isn't FDA-approved. The law prohibits the state board of medicine from disciplining doctors for offering this therapy and prevents state entities from denying patient access. It explicitly excludes abortion-derived materials and states insurers may choose but aren't required to cover the therapy. The bill creates no legal liability for providers who follow its requirements and medical standards.

HB 64 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for eligible healthcare providers offering maternal services in rural and frontier areas of Wyoming. It directly affects Medicaid-enrolled providers (like obstetricians, family doctors with OB privileges, midwives, and surgeons providing cesarean backup) and Medicaid clients receiving prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care in these regions. The bill allocates $2 million ($1 million state, $1 million federal) for 2026-2028 to fund these enhanced rates, with the Department of Health required to report on costs and potential adjustments by October 2027. Its key goal is to improve access to maternal care, reduce related health risks, and maintain provider availability in underserved areas.