Wyoming Court Rules Against Abortion Restrictions Judge Melissa Owens upholds women's healthcare rights by blocking two Senate-approved lawsA recent groundbreaking decision by Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens has effectively kept abortion legal in Wyoming, declaring two restrictive abortion laws unconstitutional. Since last year, Judge Owens had repeatedly issued temporary blocks against these laws, preventing their enactment as the legal battle unfolded. This historical backdrop adds layers to Judge Owen's ruling, reflecting the conscious intent of Wyoming residents to retain autonomy over personal health decisions. She rebuffed assertions made by Wyoming’s Attorney General Deputy, Jay Jerde, who contended, "The Health Care Amendment does not prohibit a person from making their own health care decision if their decision impacts any other person." Dr. Giovannina Anthony, one of the plaintiff obstetricians, said, "I’m grateful and relieved the judge agreed abortion is health care and abortion bans violate the rights of pregnant women."

Source: New York Times November 19, 2024 07:44 UTC