HB0126SS001

This amendment replaces legislative findings, adds contingent abortion regulations that would take effect if the heartbeat prohibition is invalidated, and creates related court procedures.

• Replaces the legislative findings (Page 2, lines 12-23) with new findings emphasizing the state's interest in protecting unborn life under the Wyoming Constitution, citing State v. Johnson (2026 WY 1), and establishing a compelling state interest in protecting life beginning when a fetal heartbeat is detected. (Page 2, lines 12-23; Page 3, lines 2-5)
• Adds a new Article 5 (W.S. 35-6-501 through 35-6-510) establishing comprehensive abortion regulations that define key terms (abortion, viability, conception, minor, etc.) and set conditions for abortion procedures, including prohibitions on abortion after viability except to preserve the pregnant woman's life or health. (Page 8, after line 20)
• Establishes that abortion procedures on minors require parental notification and consent at least 48 hours before the procedure, with exceptions for judicial bypass through a closed hearing process where a minor can demonstrate maturity or that abortion is in her best interest. (Page 8, after line 20 (W.S. 35-6-507))
• Requires physicians to inform patients of the opportunity to view an ultrasound and hear the fetal heartbeat before abortion, with exceptions for medical emergencies and procedures performed to save the patient's life, ameliorate serious bodily risks, preserve fetal health, remove a dead fetus, or address ectopic pregnancy. (Page 8, after line 20 (W.S. 35-6-508))
• Makes the new abortion regulations (Article 5) effective only if a court enjoins or invalidates the heartbeat prohibition (W.S. 35-6-401 through 35-6-404), with the Attorney General tasked with monitoring court decisions and the Governor authorized to certify when these regulations become effective. (Page 8, after line 20 (W.S. 35-6-509 and 35-6-510))
• Establishes juvenile court jurisdiction over procedures governing abortions performed on minors under W.S. 35-6-507, subject to the contingency provisions in W.S. 35-6-510. (Page 8, after line 20 (Amendment to W.S. 5-8-102))
• Renumbers Section 4 of the original bill to Section 6 to account for the two new sections added by this amendment. (Page 9, line 1)

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