Judge Melissa Owens stated, 'The court concludes that the abortion statutes suspend a woman's right to make her own health care decisions during the entire term of pregnancy and are not reasonable or necessary to protect the health and general welfare of the people.' She emphasized that the laws failed to consider the rights of women in healthcare decisions.
Owens highlighted that the laws made no distinction between a zygote and a fetus, indicating, 'The restriction begins even at the earliest stages of embryonic development.' This lack of distinction underscores the unreasonable nature of the statutes.
The judge also addressed the defendants' failure to demonstrate a compelling governmental interest, saying, 'Defendants including Governor Mark Gordon and Attorney General Bridget Hill failed to establish a compelling governmental interest to exclude pregnant women from fully realizing the protections afforded by the Wyoming Constitution.' This statement reinforces the legal precedence that protects women's rights.
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