1. What are the requirements for abortion clinic licensure in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, abortion clinics must be licensed by the Department of Health. The regulations for licensure can be found in Chapter 4 of the Regulations Governing Abortion Facilities. The regulations require that abortion clinics must be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); must meet standards set by the American College of Gynecology and Obstetrics (ACOG) or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM); and must comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those related to patient privacy, medical record-keeping, and reporting requirements. Additionally, abortion facilities must be inspected at least once a year to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
2. Are there any restrictions on the number of abortion clinics in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming currently has only one abortion clinic. There are other providers in the state that offer abortion services, but they are not clinics. All abortion providers must be licensed by the Wyoming Department of Health.
3. Are there parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Wyoming?
Yes, there are parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Wyoming. Minors under the age of 18 must obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian before they can receive an abortion.
4. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage for abortions in Wyoming?
Yes, insurance coverage for abortions in Wyoming is restricted. Under state law, private health insurance plans are not allowed to cover abortions unless the woman’s life is endangered, the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, or if the woman has a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would cause the death of the patient or serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function if the pregnancy is carried to term. In addition, public health insurance plans are prohibited from covering abortions unless necessary to save the life of the woman or in cases of rape or incest.
5. Are there any waiting periods for women seeking abortions in Wyoming?
Yes, there is a waiting period for women seeking abortions in Wyoming. Women seeking an abortion must wait at least 24 hours after receiving counseling from a qualified health care provider. In addition, women must also wait at least 24 hours after signing an informed consent form that provides information on the risks and benefits of an abortion, the availability of alternative options, and the viability of the fetus.
6. Are there any ultrasound requirements for women seeking abortions in Wyoming?
Yes. According to Wyoming state law, women seeking an abortion must undergo an ultrasound and be provided with the opportunity to view the image. The physician performing the abortion procedure must inform the patient of the opportunity to view the image and provide a verbal explanation of what is seen in the ultrasound image. Additionally, a copy of the ultrasound image must be provided to the patient prior to the procedure.
7. Are there any restrictions on Medicaid funding for abortions in Wyoming?
Yes, Medicaid funding for abortions is restricted in Wyoming. In accordance with the Hyde Amendment, Medicaid in Wyoming will only cover abortions in cases of rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is in danger.
8. Is telemedicine abortion allowed in Wyoming?
No. Telemedicine abortion is not allowed in Wyoming.
9. Are there any abortion-specific informed consent requirements in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming has certain informed consent requirements for abortions. The Wyoming Department of Health requires that women who are seeking an abortion must wait at least 24 hours and receive counseling from the doctor or a qualified counselor about the medical risks of the procedure, the alternatives to abortion, and other relevant information. They must also receive written materials about fetal development and adoption resources. Additionally, minors must obtain consent from one parent before having an abortion procedure.
10. Is medication abortion allowed to be done at home in Wyoming?
No. Medication abortion is not allowed to be done at home in Wyoming. The state requires all medication abortions to be done by a healthcare provider in a licensed clinic, hospital, or medical office.
11. Is informed consent required for all types of abortion in Wyoming?
Yes. All patients seeking abortion care in Wyoming must provide informed consent before the procedure can be completed. This includes providing information on the risks and benefits of abortion and alternatives to abortion.
12. Are there any gestational age limits on abortion in Wyoming?
Yes, abortion is prohibited in Wyoming after 24 weeks gestation.
13. Are there any laws requiring abortion providers to have hospital admitting privileges in Wyoming?
No, there are not currently any laws in Wyoming requiring abortion providers to have hospital admitting privileges.
14. Are there any laws requiring abortion clinics to meet ambulatory surgical center standards in Wyoming?
No, there are currently no laws in Wyoming requiring abortion clinics to meet ambulatory surgical center standards.
15. Are there any regulations on the use of fetal tissue obtained through abortion in Wyoming?
Yes, there are regulations regarding the use of fetal tissue obtained through abortion in Wyoming. According to section 35–6–215 of the Wyoming Statutes, fetal tissue obtained through an abortion cannot be used for any purpose other than disposal unless the woman has given written consent. If consent has been given, the fetal tissue may only be used for scientific research or medical purposes, and none of the fetal tissue may be sold or purchased.
16. Is there a ban on race- or sex-selective abortions in Wyoming?
No, there is no ban on race- or sex-selective abortions in Wyoming.
17. Is healthcare provider conscience exemption allowed for abortion providers in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming does not allow healthcare provider conscience exemption for abortion providers. The state does, however, allow patient conscience exemption for certain medical procedures, including abortion.
18. Are teens allowed to consent to their own abortions without parental approval in Wyoming?
No. In Wyoming, parental consent is required for a minor to receive an abortion. While a teen may try to obtain permission from a court to bypass the parental consent requirement, this is generally only granted in extreme circumstances.
19. Are there any restrictions on private insurance coverage of abortions in Wyoming?
Yes. Private insurance policies in Wyoming that offer coverage for pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion-related services are prohibited from providing coverage for an abortion unless the abortion is necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or to prevent substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.
20. Are there any restrictions on the use of public funds for abortions in Wyoming?
Yes, there are restrictions on the use of public funds for abortions in Wyoming. Medicaid funds may not be used to fund abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman’s life is in danger. In addition, no public funds may be used to fund abortions at any state-funded health care facilities or hospitals.