Political Info and Laws in Brief
Executives
- Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) is pro-choice.
Legislature
- The Montana House is anti-choice.
- The Montana Senate is anti-choice.
ANTI-CHOICE LAWSBiased Counseling & Mandatory DelayMontana has an unconstitutional and unenforceable law that subjects women seeking abortion services to biased-counseling requirements and mandatory delays. Refusal to Provide Medical ServicesMontana allows certain individuals or entities to refuse to provide women specific reproductive-health services, information, or referrals. Restrictions on Young Women's Access to AbortionMontana has an unconstitutional and unenforceable law that restricts young women's access to abortion services by mandating parental notice. |
PRO-CHOICE LAWSContraceptive EquityMontana law requires health-insurance plans that cover prescription medication to provide the same coverage for contraception. Low-Income Women's Access to AbortionMontana provides low-income women access to abortion.
Protection Against Clinic ViolenceMontana law protects women seeking reproductive-health care and medical personnel from blockades and violence. State Constitutional ProtectionMontana's constitution provides greater protection for a woman's right to choose than the U.S. Constitution. |
OTHER RELEVANT LAWSPost-Viability Abortion RestrictionMontana restricts post-viability abortion. |
Ballot Measures
Do voters ever decide on issues related to a woman's right to choose? In many states, the answer is yes. Anti-choice groups put measures on the ballot to advance their agenda.
Montana
In 2012, Montana voters will face a parental-involvement measure. It would jeopardize the health and safety of young women who, for fear of violence or in cases of incest, cannot turn to their parents. In addition, anti-choice groups are collecting signatures to place a "personhood" measure on the ballot. This measure would outlaw abortion and could even ban common forms of birth control.
