Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, signed legislation March 9 that bans abortion in the state once an unborn child’s heartbeat can be detected, typically around six weeks into pregnancy.
The measure — HB 126, known as the Human Heartbeat Act — makes Wyoming the fifth state to enact a heartbeat law, joining Florida, Georgia, Iowa, and South Carolina. Thirteen other states currently prohibit abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions, according to CBS News.
Wyoming’s law allows an exception in cases of medical emergency to “preserve the woman from an imminent peril that substantially endangers her life or health, according to appropriate medical judgment.” Violating the law is a felony that carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
In a March 9 press release announcing the signing, Gordon emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting unborn life but cautioned that the law will likely face legal challenges in court.
“I resoundingly share the determination to defend the lives of unborn children and support the intentions behind the Human Heartbeat Act,” Gordon said. “Regrettably, this Act represents another well-intentioned but likely fragile legal effort with significant risk of ending in the courts rather than in lasting, durable policy.
Today I signed the Human Heartbeat Act (HEA 29) into law, reaffirming my view that life is sacred. I resoundingly share the determination to defend the lives of unborn children and support the intentions behind the Human Heartbeat Act. Yet, I share concerns with many others,… pic.twitter.com/S9FZP2Qv9y
— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) March 9, 2026
In January, the Wyoming Supreme Court struck down two previous abortion bans. In a 4-1 ruling, the court said the laws violated a 2012 state constitutional amendment protecting individuals’ health care decisions. As a result of that ruling, abortion remained legal in Wyoming until “fetal viability” prior to the passage of the new legislation.
“Rather than finding a remedy that saves the unborn,” Gordon said in the release, “I fear we have only added another chapter to the sad saga of repeatedly trying to force a specific solution that will not uphold the legal scrutiny of the courts.”
Abortion supporters have already signaled plans to challenge the law in court. Julie Burkhart, president of Wyoming’s only abortion facility, said in a statement cited by Cowboy State Daily that she intends to sue and called the pro-life law “an attack on Wyomingites’ constitutional freedom to make their own health care decisions.”
Pro-life leaders welcomed the law, saying it could protect hundreds of unborn children in the state. National Right to Life President Carol Tobias thanked Gordon for signing the “vital law” in a statement and noted that Wyoming recorded 625 abortions in 2024 (the most recent year with complete data).
“Wyoming’s action reflects an ongoing national conversation about how our laws should recognize the humanity of the unborn child,” Tobias said, “while ensuring that her mother receives appropriate care.”