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Bill

HB 126

Human heartbeat act.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Abby Angelos and 39 co-sponsors

Wyoming law bans abortion once fetal heartbeat is detected around 6 weeks, taking effect immediately and restricting abortion access before most pregnancy detection.

Assigned Chapter Number 81
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 126

Legislative bill overview

HB 126, Wyoming's "Human Heartbeat Act," restricts abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. The bill has passed both chambers and been signed into law by the Governor as of March 2026.

Why this is important

This legislation significantly limits abortion access in Wyoming before many people know they are pregnant, as fetal cardiac activity often becomes detectable before a missed period is confirmed. The law represents a major shift in reproductive policy and will directly affect healthcare decisions, access to abortion services, and reproductive autonomy for Wyoming residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical accuracy: Fetal cardiac activity at 6 weeks involves electrical signals in embryonic tissue rather than a functioning heart, raising questions about the scientific basis for the timeline
  • Pregnancy detection timing: Most people discover pregnancy around 4-6 weeks, leaving a narrow window for decision-making before the heartbeat threshold
  • Constitutional challenges: Similar laws have faced federal court challenges on grounds of conflicting with pre-viability abortion protections, though the legal landscape shifted significantly after 2022
  • Exception limitations: The bill's specific exceptions (health of mother, rape, incest) and enforcement mechanisms will determine real-world application and hardship cases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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