Healthy moms mean healthy babies. For many pro-life lawmakers in the Wyoming Legislature, supporting “House Bill 4 – Medicaid 12 month postpartum coverage” is a way to encourage Wyoming women to choose life when faced with a difficult pregnancy situation, and to ensure both mother and child have access to care during a critical time in their lives.
Rep. Cody Wylie, of Rock Springs, penned a powerful op-ed about his support for HB-4, as well as his support for the “Life is a Human Right Act,” which would strengthen the state’s prohibition of abortion.
If we’re going to hold the line and protect life by outlawing abortion, we also need to be damn sure we’re prepared and willing to roll up our sleeves and fund programs for mothers and children. It’s going to be an issue, and we’re going to need to figure out ways to do it.
-Rep. Wylie
HB-4 passed the Wyoming House of Representatives with strong support from pro-life legislators, including Rep. Wylie.
On Wednesday, HB-4 advanced out of the Senate Labor & Health Committee and awaits a hearing by the full Senate.
The Senate has proven itself an advocate of pro-life policies, and HB-4 will be heard on the heels of several bills strengthening abortion prohibitions in Wyoming.
Wylie’s op-ed suggests that a pro-life stance is compatible with extending postpartum Medicaid coverage, which is what HB-4 does.
In fact, it could be a strong tool toward that goal.
If we want to discourage abortion in Wyoming, we need to make sure women know they are capable of caring for a child.
Rep. Wylie
