The overturning of Roe v. Wade left many women with questions. Some were relieved, while others were fearful. This ruling gave the power back to the states, and the people of each state could influence state abortion laws through their elected representatives.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy as a Wyomingite, you may be wondering whether you can get an abortion in a state such as Colorado. Following the ruling, Wyoming, along with more than two dozen other states, utilized their trigger laws. However, abortion is currently legal in Wyoming. Gov. Mark Gordon signed a bill on March 17 that will prohibit the use of abortion pills in the state. This will go into effect in July. The “Life is a Human Right Act” which banned abortions in most circumstances, was also passed in March 2023. However, it was challenged and is now blocked by a district court judge until a case is heard.
Wyoming currently allows telemedicine abortions, which are telehealth visits resulting in the provider prescribing abortion pills.
Colorado has no restrictions on abortion. Women, including Wyomingites, are free to travel to Colorado for an abortion procedure.
What Is Abortion?
Abortion is the termination of a viable pregnancy. There are two types of abortion. Medical abortions involve taking two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end and expel the pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone to end the pregnancy, while misoprostol causes contractions in the uterus and expels both the embryo and pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
Surgical abortions occur later in pregnancy. Many surgical abortions are performed using a suctioning technique called vacuum aspiration. The procedure must be performed at a doctor’s office, hospital, or medical clinic, and it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
What Are My Other Options?
You may be wondering whether receiving an abortion out-of-state is your only option. It is important that you have all of the facts necessary to make an informed decision. There are two alternatives to abortion: adoption and parenting.
Adoption can be a bittersweet experience for many women. It involves placing your child with a couple to build (or complete) a family. There are two types of adoption. In an open adoption, you are able to have contact with the child, and you can create a plan with the child’s adoptive family to schedule visits. A closed adoption is when you do not have contact with the child, and you remain anonymous. All records are sealed.
Parenting is another option that you may consider. Parenting is often described as being both overwhelming and rewarding. It can be a challenging experience for new parents without the proper support.
You may be faced with many questions. At True Care Women’s Resource Center, we discuss your options and connect you to community resources to help you parent your child.
Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions about abortion, adoption, or parenting, we are here for you. You don’t have to do this alone! Contact True Care Women’s Resource Center to make a no-cost, judgment-free appointment. We have advocates ready to be with you every step of the way.