Wyoming committee advances bill requiring ultrasound and 48-hour wait for medication abortions

Summary

The Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted to advance House Bill 64, which would require a time-stamped ultrasound and a minimum 48-hour waiting period before dispensing medication for a chemical (medication) abortion; the measure drew extensive testimony both for and against and passed the committee by a 4-1 roll call.

CHEYENNE, Feb. 14 — The Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted to send House Bill 64 forward after testimony and questions about safety, rural access and medical standards for medication (chemical) abortion.

Speaker Nyman, sponsor of House Bill 64, told the committee the bill is intended to reduce harms he described as resulting from medication abortions being obtained and taken without in-person medical verification. "Abortion is... chemical abortion is becoming the more favored choice," Nyman said, arguing that an ultrasound helps confirm gestational age and location and that the proposed 48-hour requirement would give women information before receiving pills.

The bill requires a certified ultrasound, dated and time stamped and performed by a named provider, before a pharmacist or physician may dispense drugs used for a medication abortion. It would also require the pregnant person the opportunity to view the ultrasound image and the fetal cardiac motion. Sponsors said the measure is aimed at confirming gestational age (they cited manufacturers' guidance that the drugs are designed for early gestation) and detecting ectopic pregnancies.

Supporters who testified at the hearing said the measure protects patients. Dr. David Lind, a…

Wyoming committee advances bill requiring ultrasound and 48-hour wait for medication abortions

Summary

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