Wyoming Lawmakers Advance 'Heartbeat Bill' to Restrict Abortion

The bill aims to prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as 6 weeks.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wyoming lawmakers have advanced House Bill 126, the 'Human Heartbeat Act,' which would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy. The bill's sponsor, House Speaker Chip Neiman, says it's a way to provide 'protection for life,' but critics argue it functions as an unconstitutional ban on pre-viability abortions. The bill has passed the state Senate and is headed to the governor's desk.

Why it matters

The bill is a response to a recent Wyoming Supreme Court decision that struck down the state's previous abortion bans as unconstitutional. The court ruled that the state constitution protects an individual's right to make their own healthcare decisions, including abortion. Supporters of HB 126 say it falls within the legislature's authority to enact 'reasonable and necessary restrictions,' while opponents argue it goes too far and will lead to further erosion of maternal healthcare access.

The details

House Bill 126 would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy. Doctors, nurses or pharmacists found in violation of the law would face a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a fine up to $10,000, and would also result in the mandatory revocation of their professional license. The bill does not specify how the determination of a fetal heartbeat must be made, but the most accurate early detection method is a transvaginal ultrasound, which critics say is an invasive procedure.

  • The Wyoming Supreme Court struck down the state's previous abortion bans in January 2026.
  • House Bill 126 passed the state Senate on second reading on March 3, 2026, and is now headed to the governor's desk for signature.

The players

Chip Neiman

The Republican Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives and the lead sponsor of House Bill 126.

Megan Hayes

A Laramie attorney who argues that HB 126 functions as a 'categorical ban on pre-viability abortion.'

Mark Gordon

The Governor of Wyoming, who called on the legislature to pass a constitutional amendment related to abortion during the current session.

Britt Boril

The executive director of WyoUnited, who testified that the bill incorrectly states that fetuses can feel pain starting at 15 weeks.

Giovannina Anthony

A Jackson obstetrician who was a plaintiff in the court challenge against Wyoming's previous abortion bans, and who called HB 126 a 'de facto ban.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I believe that, based on Wyoming's history of being very pro-life and always supporting life issues, that that is not actually the determination of the people of the state of Wyoming.”

— Chip Neiman, Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives (wyofile.com)

“Sadly, this piece of legislation will not protect life from its inception, which I would love to see happen. But the reality of where we're at right now, ladies and gentlemen, is that I believe this is something that we can do and work with to provide a line where we can provide protection for life.”

— Chip Neiman, Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives (wyofile.com)

“The bill will cause OB-GYNs such as myself to fear treating our patients secondary to the extreme punitive issues, particularly when it comes to determining what constitutes a medical emergency.”

— Giovannina Anthony, Jackson obstetrician (wyofile.com)

“Personally, I believe this body chose not to take the question on abortion to the people for a vote because they know they would lose at the ballot box.”

— Britt Boril, Executive Director of WyoUnited (wyofile.com)

“There is no one more vulnerable than the children that are in the womb.”

— Laura Pavey (wyofile.com)

What’s next

The bill now faces one more vote in the state Senate before heading to Governor Mark Gordon's desk for signature into law.

The takeaway

The passage of House Bill 126 in Wyoming highlights the ongoing legal and political battles over abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. While supporters argue the bill is a reasonable restriction to protect fetal life, critics contend it is an unconstitutional ban that will further limit access to abortion care in the state.