Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the use of mRNA vaccines in most medical circumstances, citing concerns over long-term safety and rushed development. The legislation, House Bill 371, recently passed out of committee and is now headed for debate on the state House floor.
Sponsored by Republican Reps. Greg Kmetz, Tracy Sharp, and Lukas Schubert, the bill would prohibit the administration of vaccines developed with messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology for infectious diseases. However, exceptions would be made for gene therapy treatments used for cancer or genetic disorders.
During a committee hearing, supporters of the bill raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Christine Drivdahl-Smith, a family physician in Miles City, called mRNA vaccines “the most destructive and lethal medical products that have ever been used in medical history.”
Derek Oestreicher, chief legal counsel for the Montana Family Foundation, argued that mRNA vaccines are still in their early stages and that their long-term effects remain uncertain. “The rush to roll out these vaccines without adequate long-term studies has left many individuals questioning the wisdom of their own medical choices,” Oestreicher said.
If passed, the bill would impose a $500 fine per violation on any healthcare professional who administers an mRNA-based vaccine in Montana. Additionally, violators could risk losing their medical licenses.
While Republicans control both chambers of the Montana Legislature, they do not hold a supermajority, making the bill’s passage uncertain. Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, has not yet indicated whether he would sign the bill into law.
Former Trump Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism of mRNA technology, has supported raising safety standards for vaccine approvals while maintaining that individuals should still have the right to choose.
The debate over mRNA vaccines continues to fuel broader discussions on vaccine safety, medical freedom, and government regulation in Montana and across the country.
