Wyoming Enacts Abortion Ban After 6 Weeks, Governor Cites Concerns

New law prohibits abortions after embryonic cardiac activity detected, with limited exceptions

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed a new law banning abortions after about 6 weeks of pregnancy, when embryonic cardiac activity can typically be detected. The law includes exceptions to preserve the life or health of the mother, but does not have exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Gordon expressed misgivings about the lack of those exceptions, and said the law will likely face legal challenges.

Why it matters

This law makes Wyoming the fifth state to ban abortions at the 6-week mark, further restricting access to the procedure in the region. It comes after Wyoming's Supreme Court struck down a previous ban on abortion throughout pregnancy, and highlights the ongoing legal battles over abortion rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The details

The new law prohibits abortions after cardiac activity can be detected in the embryo, which is usually around 6 weeks into a pregnancy. This is often before many women even realize they are pregnant. The law does include an exception to preserve the life or health of the mother, but does not have exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Governor Gordon said he has concerns about the lack of those exceptions, but signed the bill into law on Monday.

  • The new law was signed by Governor Gordon on March 9, 2026.
  • Wyoming's Supreme Court struck down a previous ban on abortion throughout pregnancy in January.

The players

Mark Gordon

The Republican Governor of Wyoming who signed the new 6-week abortion ban into law, while expressing misgivings about the lack of exceptions for rape and incest.

Wellspring Health Access

Wyoming's only abortion clinic, which has said it will challenge the new ban in court.

Julie Burkhart

The president of Wellspring Health Access, who called the new ban "an attack on Wyomingites' constitutional freedom to make their own health care decisions."

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What they’re saying

“This ban is an attack on Wyomingites' constitutional freedom to make their own health care decisions, and it puts the health and well-being of our communities at risk.”

— Julie Burkhart, President, Wellspring Health Access (sfgate.com)

“Where the act does not align to my pro-life stance is in the concern for specific vulnerable populations.”

— Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming (sfgate.com)

What’s next

Wellspring Health Access has said it will challenge the new ban in court, setting up a legal battle over the law's constitutionality.

The takeaway

Wyoming's new 6-week abortion ban, while aligned with the governor's pro-life stance, has raised concerns about its lack of exceptions for rape and incest victims. The law is expected to face legal challenges as the state continues to navigate the shifting landscape of abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.