A judge has struck down Wyoming’s overall ban on abortion and its first-in-the nation explicit prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy.

Summary

A Wyoming judge struck down two abortion laws: a near-total ban and the nation’s only explicit prohibition on abortion pills.

District Judge Melissa Owens ruled the laws violated the state constitution’s guarantee of residents’ right to make healthcare decisions, undermining women’s rights and medical integrity.

The challenge, brought by women and nonprofits, argued the bans harmed health and livelihoods.

This decision adds to a series of victories for abortion rights advocates nationwide since Roe v. Wade’s overturn in 2022, with courts blocking or overturning similar bans in multiple states.