On Wednesday, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) signed a package of five anti-abortion bills aimed at restricting access to abortions in the state, according to a report from The Hill.
In a statement, the governor’s office highlighted the “historic progress” made in 2021, emphasizing the commitment to “advance pro-life measures.”
One of the key components of the package is a bill asserting that the Montana Constitution’s right to privacy does not encompass the right to abortion.
This bill challenges a state Supreme Court ruling from nearly 25 years ago and could prompt the court to reexamine the decision protecting abortion under the state constitution.
Gianforte declared, “For years in Montana, abortion activists have used the cloak of a shaky legal interpretation to advance their pro-abortion agenda. That stops today. No more.”
The legislation package bans abortions after the point of viability, typically around 24 weeks, unless the mother’s life is at risk.
It also mandates protection for babies born alive following failed late-term abortions.
Additional provisions in the package include ensuring that taxpayer funds do not cover elective abortions and allowing medical professionals to exercise “the right of medical conscience,” which offers protections for doctors and nurses who refuse to perform abortions.
Furthermore, the package necessitates reporting any harm to women caused by abortion pills to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, and granting the department “appropriate oversight” of abortion clinics,” The Hill notes.
Governor Gianforte signaled his intention to sign more abortion restrictions as they come to his desk.
He also mentioned two “pro-family” policies from his proposed budget, including a $1,200 refundable child tax credit for children under six and an adoption tax credit of up to $7,500.
“As we stand firm for life, we must also ensure all Montana kids, from unborn babies to teenagers, have the opportunity to reach their full God-given potential,” he stated. “Folks, this must be one of the next chapters of our pro-life, pro-child, pro-family agenda.”
