Protecting The Unborn

With the Dobbs opinion from the US Supreme Court the abortion debate has been returned to the individual states. While there are many different viewpoints on abortion, one view is held by a supermajority of the public, that abortion should not be wide-open up until or after birth. (news.gallup.com July 7,2023) Throughout the 2023 Legislative session, your Montana House Republicans used common sense and biologically sound principles to protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us, unborn babies. Building on the historic progress from the 2021 session, Republicans continue to advance pro-life legislation that will make a lasting difference in Montana.

House Bill 575 bans the abortion of a viable unborn baby unless necessary to save the life of the mother. House Bill 862 prohibits taxpayer funding of elective abortions. Montana taxpayers should not be forced to fund procedures with which they morally disagree. This is currently law in 33 other states; and it is a victory for Montana to pass a law to protect the freedom of conscience of our taxpayers, in line with the majority of other states.

Also, this session Senate Bill 154 was passed and signed into law, which clarifies that the right to privacy in Montana’s constitution does not include a right to an abortion. Our Montana constitution Art. II Section 10 states “the right of individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society” (underline added). Biology and modern medicine have made it abundantly clear that a baby in the womb has its own DNA, fingerprints, and heartbeat - therefore abortion is not an individual act. Prior to birth, babies have a right to individual privacy protection too. House Republicans this session worked to ensure all Montana kids, from unborn babies to teenagers have opportunities to safely reach their full potential.

Speaker Matt Regier, Majority Leader Sue Vintonm Pro Temp Rhonda Knudsen