Wyoming judge blocks fetal heartbeat abortion law

A Wyoming judge has temporarily blocked the state’s newest abortion restriction, halting enforcement of a law that prohibits most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. Natrona County District Judge Dan Forgey granted temporary injunctive relief against the Human Heartbeat Act on Friday, ruling that plaintiffs demonstrated irreparable injury and a probable success under the Wyoming Constitution’s healthcare autonomy protections. The law, passed during the 2026 legislative session and signed by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon in March, bars abortion beyond roughly six weeks, with exceptions only for medical emergencies threatening a woman’s life or health—not for rape or incest. Judge Forgey’s ruling follows the Wyoming Supreme Court’s January decision striking down two earlier abortion restrictions for violating the state constitution’s healthcare protections. Gordon, who signed the law despite reservations, had previously expressed concerns about its impact on vulnerable populations. The case will now proceed through the courts.