CHEYENNE, wyo. – Wyoming lawmakers on Thursday debated a bill that would shield pregnancy centers from municipal interference and allow them to sue for damages, sparking criticism that the legislation offers a misleading solution to the state’s declining maternity care access. The bill took center stage during a meeting of an interim legislative committee.
The draft legislation, a 12-page document referencing national events, would impose significant penalties on those who violate its provisions, allowing pregnancy centers or affected individuals to sue for up to three times the actual damages incurred.
Critics argue the bill misrepresents a comprehensive approach to maternity care.”To present the bill as a maternity care solution is disingenuous,” said Stephanie Boril of WyoUnited, who asserted that pregnancy centers often present themselves as medical facilities while actively opposing abortion access.
Emma Laurant urged the committee to prioritize “practical solutions, such as expanding birthing centers and attracting OBs to the state” to address the needs of Wyoming women and their children.
Valerie Berry, executive director of LifeChoice Pregnancy Center in Cheyenne, defended her center, stating it provides quality care through licensed professionals. However,Sen. charlie Scott,R-Casper,questioned whether a genuine crisis threatening pregnancy centers currently exists in Wyoming. Berry acknowledged incidents occurring across the U.S., but was unaware of any specific threats in Cheyenne.
Denise Burke, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, explained the bill aims to “protect Wyoming’s pregnancy centers from censorship or discrimination” based on their stance against abortion services.Burke, based in Kansas, also reported no knowledge of potential threats within Wyoming.
Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams,R-Cody,chair of the Wyoming freedom Caucus and lead sponsor of the state’s abortion ban currently before the high court,confirmed she drafted a previous version of the bill with staff and tailored it specifically for Wyoming.
The bill’s origins drew scrutiny from Sen. Scott, who questioned if it was a copy of a national model.
This article was originally published by WyoFile and is republished here with permission. WyoFile is an autonomous nonprofit news association focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
