Wyoming’s new Human Heartbeat Act is already saving unborn babies, with the state’s only abortion business turning away about a dozen patients and canceling two scheduled abortions just days after the law took effect.
Gov. Mark Gordon signed the bill into law on March 9. The legislation prohibits most abortions once an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks of gestation. It includes an exception to preserve the life or health of the mother in cases of imminent medical danger but does not include exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
Abortionists who violate the ban face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
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“Today I signed the Human Heartbeat Act 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,” Gordon said upon signing the bill.
By the end of last week, more than 10 abortion customers had been turned away and two scheduled abortions canceled at Wellspring Health Access in Casper.
Abortion center executive director Katie Knutter said affected customers were in their second trimester.
“We had already started talking to patients about [the ban],” she said. “Hey, we know that you are in your second trimester. You would be much too far [along] for us to see.”
The immediate turnaways and cancellations show the law is already halting abortions that would otherwise have killed babies, protecting babies with detectable heartbeats.
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, praised the governor’s action.
“We thank Governor Gordon for signing this vital law,” she said. “Wyoming’s action reflects an ongoing national conversation about how our laws should recognize the humanity of the unborn child while ensuring that her mother receives appropriate care.”
The signing followed a January 2026 Wyoming Supreme Court ruling that struck down broader abortion bans.
Wyoming recorded 625 abortions in 2024, the most recent full year of data.
Abortion sellers have filed legal challenges seeking an emergency temporary restraining order to block enforcement.
Bill sponsor and House Speaker Chip Neiman (R-Hulett) said he was not surprised by the challenges and expects the ban to survive.
