CASPER (WNE) —- Gov. Mark Gordon has signed a certification activating an alternate abortion provision after a Natrona County court temporarily blocked enforcement of House Bill 126, the Human Heartbeat Act, while its constitutionality is reviewed.

The law directs that if the attorney general deems the Heartbeat Act unenforceable, the governor must certify an alternate provision.

On Friday, Gordon did so, triggering a rule that bans abortions after viability except to save a woman from imminent danger. The Secretary of State has five days from that date to publish notice.

“This step ensures Wyoming can protect unborn children to the fullest extent allowed by law,” Gordon said in a news release. “While the Heartbeat Act is stayed, this measure will save lives and protect late- term babies.”

Gordon also renewed his call for a constitutional amendment so Wyoming voters can decide the issue directly.

“The Wyoming Supreme Court has made clear this question is ultimately constitutional. The people should have the final say,” he said.

Last week, Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel Forgey partially blocked enforcement of the most restrictive provisions of the act—eight sections. Those sections cover the entirety of article four of HB 126, which was passed by the Wyoming Legislature this year.

Forgey’s order did not block article five of the Act, which includes a trigger provision banning abortion after fetal viability, with only narrow exceptions.