Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, signed the Human Heartbeat Act into law on Monday, that would make the stat the next pro-life state in America.
The measure prohibits most abortions after a heartbeat can be detected, which occurs approximately 18-22 days after fertilization. The law includes an exception when necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother in cases of imminent medical danger.
The bill, HB 126, allows an exception to preserve the woman from an imminent peril that substantially endangers her life or health, according to appropriate medical judgment. It does not include exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
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Anyone who kills a baby in an abortion prohibited under the law would face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
In a statement accompanying his signature, Gordon reaffirmed his commitment to defending unborn life.
“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,” he said.
“We thank Governor Gordon for signing this vital law,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “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 comes after Wyoming’s Supreme Court in January struck down a broader ban on abortion throughout pregnancy, leaving abortion permitted in Wyoming until fetal viability — around 24 to 26 weeks — prior to this new restriction.
Wyoming now joins Florida, Georgia, Iowa and South Carolina as states with heartbeat-based abortion bans.
According to state health officials, Wyoming recorded 625 abortions in 2024, the most recent year for which complete data are available.
While expressing support for the pro-life intent, Gordon voiced reservations about the law’s long-term viability, noting the recent court ruling and predicting further litigation. In a letter to lawmakers, he said the act “very likely puts us back in the all too familiar and unfortunate territory of pro-life litigation.”
He added, “Regrettably, this Act represents another well-intentioned but likely fragile legal effort with significant risk of ending in the courts rather than in lasting, durable policy.”
Julie Burkhart, president of Wellspring Health Access, Wyoming’s only abortion business, called it “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.”
She didn’t explain how killing a baby constitutes health care.
Burkhart said the abortion company is prepared to challenge the ban in court.
