Wyoming Judge to Rule on First-in-Nation Abortion Pill Ban

The decision, which could set a precedent, is being closely watched as it also includes a near-total ban on all abortion methods.

Judge Melissa Owens in Teton County, Wyoming, is set to rule on the state's abortion restrictions, including a first-in-the-nation ban on the use of abortion pills.
The restrictions also make all methods of abortion illegal except for cases involving rape, incest, or where the life of the mother is at risk.
The laws were challenged by four women, including two obstetricians, and two nonprofit organizations, arguing that the bans violate a 2012 state constitutional amendment guaranteeing Wyoming residents the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Both sides have asked for a ruling to avoid going to trial, which is currently scheduled for April 15. Any decision is likely to be appealed to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Wyoming has only two abortion clinics, one of which, the Jackson Women's Health and Family Care clinic, is set to shut down next week after 30 years in business.