Wyoming Supreme Court Affirms Abortion is Healthcare, Strikes Down State Restrictions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Janean Forsyth, Executive Director, Chelsea's Fund
Wyoming Supreme Court Affirms Abortion is Healthcare, Strikes Down State Restrictions
Historic ruling protects constitutional right to make health care decisions
CHEYENNE Wyoming, January 6, 2026 — The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled today that the state's abortion restrictions violate the Wyoming Constitution, affirming that abortion is healthcare and that each competent adult has the fundamental right to make their own health care decisions. The decision in State of Wyoming v. Johnson is a landmark victory for reproductive freedom in Wyoming and we are gratified and heartened by the ruling.
In the opinion written by Chief Justice Boomgaarden, the court held that Article 1, Section 38 of the Wyoming Constitution—which guarantees each competent adult "the right to make his or her own health care decisions"—protects access to abortion care. The court found that the State failed to prove its abortion restrictions were narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest without unduly infringing on this fundamental right.
Chelsea's Fund, along with two Wyoming physicians, another individual plaintiff, and Wellspring Health Access, brought the lawsuit challenging Wyoming's “Life is a Human Right Act” and medication abortion ban. The court's ruling permanently blocks both laws, meaning that our hard-working Wyoming neighbors, community members and families keep the freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions.
Today's ruling affirms what we have always known: that abortion is essential healthcare, and Wyoming women have the constitutional right and the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference. This decision supports our vision to realize a time when abortion is safe, legal, accessible and recognized as healthcare for the people of Wyoming.
About Chelsea's Fund Chelsea's Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring access to abortion services for Wyoming residents. Through information, funding assistance, and logistical support for travel, lodging, and childcare, Chelsea's Fund helps remove barriers to reproductive healthcare access.
