Wyo. House Approves Bill Requiring Ultrasound Information Before Abortion

February 11, 2011 — The Wyoming House on Wednesday granted final approval to a bill (HB 251) that would require health care providers in the state to inform a woman seeking an abortion that she could view an ultrasound image of her fetus before undergoing an abortion, the AP/Washington Examiner reports (AP/Washington Examiner, 2/9).

The measure is a revised version of a bill (HB 118) that the state House defeated on Jan. 25. Rep. Bob Brechtel (R), sponsor of both bills, said the modified measure omits the requirement that providers inform women that fetuses past a certain age can feel pain (Women's Health Policy Report, 2/8).

The bill also would require women seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours before undergoing the procedure. Women seeking abortion care also would have to receive information about the availability of birth control and the health risks of pregnancy and childbirth. The measure now moves to the Senate (AP/Washington Examiner, 2/9).