We’re excited to share some good news for reproductive rights! Planned Parenthood of Montana and Dr. Samuel Dickman have won their challenge to three anti-abortion laws passed in 2021:
- HB 136 would have banned most abortions after 20 weeks.
- HB 171 added onerous requirements for medical providers, and it would have effectively ended abortion by telemedicine.
- HB 140 would have forced providers to offer unnecessary procedures intended to discourage patients from getting abortion health care.
In a June 9 ruling, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a permanent block on all three laws. This decision finally closes the door on a four-year-long legal battle that had the support of many Montanans, including providers, patients, and the organizations that serve them.
Legal Voice contributed to the case by co-authoring an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief. The brief focused on how the three anti-abortion laws would endanger survivors of intimate partner violence.
The Montana Supreme Court cited our brief in its analysis concluding that the restrictions on telemedicine access were unconstitutional (HB 171). The court affirmed that access to abortion by telemedicine is vital for those trying to navigate an abusive relationship, particularly people in low-resourced communities.
We are deeply grateful to all those who made our amicus brief possible. Thank you to the Perkins Coie staff who contributed their time and expertise, and thank you to the 14 organizations that signed on.
Alongside this growing coalition — and with your support — Legal Voice will keep showing up to defend our fundamental freedoms.
