A bill aimed at removing protections for abortion access in Montana has advanced through the state Senate.
The bill would add language to state law saying that the state’s right to privacy does protect access to abortion, which was the conclusion of the 1999 Amstrong decision from the Montana Supreme Court. Republican Sen. Keith Regier of Kalispell says that the high court’s decision was wrong, and that a pregnant person is not entitled to an individual right to privacy to seek an abortion.
The bill would not amend the state’s Constitution. Opponents say it exceeds the Legislature’s authority by interpreting the state constitution, which they say is the responsibility of the courts.
The Montana Senate passed the bill largely along party lines with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. It’s likely to clear third reading and move onto the state House of Representatives for consideration.
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In past years, about 30 patients traveled to Montana annually to access abortion care. In 2023, the first year Idaho’s ban was in full effect, that number rose to 88.
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Montana Republicans met in Billings over the weekend to update their party’s platform. Montana Public Radio’s Shaylee Ragar was at the event and joined host Austin Amestoy to talk about the Republicans' debate on election law, immigration, abortion and party loyalty.
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After Roe v Wade was overturned in June 2022, doctors said a wave of young people started showing up in their offices asking for permanent birth control - like tubal ligations or vasectomies.
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Six Republican state lawmakers Thursday voted in disapproval of a proposed constitutional amendment to protect access to abortion.