Wyoming governor signs state abortion law despite warning it could face legal challenges

Wyoming GOP Gov. Mark Gordon has signed into law a measure that puts state restrictions on abortions, despite warning that it could face tough legal challenges. 

Gordon signed the "Human Heartbeat Act" into law Monday. The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled in January that a state constitutional amendment from 2012 protects an individuals' rights to make their own healthcare decisions including having an abortion.

Gordon told Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman in a signing letter that although he supported the anti-abortion sentiment behind the legislation, which bans abortion after embryotic cardiac activity can be detected, the state Supreme Court will likely strike it down because it was not passed as a constitutional amendment. 

“I resoundingly share the determination to defend the lives of unborn children and support the intentions behind the Human Heartbeat Act,” Gordon said. “Regrettably, this Act represents another well-intentioned but likely fragile legal effort with significant risk of ending in the courts rather than in lasting, durable policy. 

"Rather than finding a remedy that saves the unborn, I fear we have only added another chapter to the sad saga of repeatedly trying to force a specific solution.”

The governor also noted the legislation does not include exceptions in the cases of rape or incest, though it does allow abortions to save the life of the mother. 

The new state law makes Wyoming the fifth state to bar abortions after cardiac activity is detected, joining Florida, Georgia, Iowa and South Carolina. 

Another 13 states ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions, according to CBS News.