Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Groups contend new anti-abortion laws violate Montana's constitutional right to privacy

Women hold  pro-choice signs during a rally in Missoula, May 21, 2019.
Edward O'Brien
/
Montana Public Radio
Women hold pro-choice signs during a rally in Missoula, May 21, 2019.

Delegates to Montana’s 1972 Constitutional Convention, and several progressive legal organizations have filed briefs in support of a lawsuit challenging new state laws restricting access to abortion.

In their amicus brief, three delegates and a researcher at the Constitutional Convention wrote that the new laws violate the intent of the Montana Constitution’s right to privacy and that it should be “protected in the widest possible manner, subject to court review — not legislative whim.”

They were responding to Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s request to the state Supreme Court to overturn a two-decade old precedent that has protected access to abortion under the right to privacy.

The National Women’s Law Center, ACLU and Center for Reproductive Rights have also filed briefs in support of Planned Parenthood’s suit against the new laws.

A final ruling has not yet been issued, but three anti-abortion laws have been temporarily blocked as the case proceeds.

Shaylee covers state government and politics for Montana Public Radio. Please share tips, questions and concerns at 406-539-1677 or shaylee.ragar@mso.umt.edu.  
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information