State of Montana Archives: on Abortion

Greg Gianforte: Urges legislature to pass restrictive abortion laws

We must protect the lives of our most vulnerable: unborn children. I firmly believe all life is precious and must be protected. I urge the legislature to send me the Montana Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which protects unborn babies by prohibiting abortion when they can feel pain. I also urge the legislature to send me the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act which requires doctors to perform life-saving care on a baby who's born as a result of a botched abortion. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature Jan 28, 2021

Mike Cooney: Fought to reject laws restricting access to health care

Mike also has an extensive record of fighting for access to affordable reproductive healthcare. Since he was first in the legislature, he's fought tooth and nail to reject legislation that would restrict access to health care and will continue to do so when he's Governor. He'll also continue the legacy of the Bullock administration by protecting permanent Title X funding in the state's budget. Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com Mar 25, 2020

Mike Cooney: Would veto any anti-abortion legislation

Cooney said he was not going to let Gianforte become governor and make decisions that would take away abortion rights for women, saying he would veto any such legislation that would come across his desk. "I am going to make those decisions," he said. Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race Feb 12, 2020

Whitney Williams: Endorsed by EMILY's list for pro-choice women

Whitney Williams is an experienced leader who has served as an aide to Missoula's Democratic legislative delegation, an archivist for the Women's Protective Union in Butte, and a nonprofit leader.

Whitney is running a strong grassroots campaign for the open governorship currently held by term-limited Democratic Governor Steve Bullock. She is taking on a Republican field that includes Rep. Greg Gianforte, a dangerous extremist whose agenda hurts the hardworking Montanans he was elected to serve. Whitney has what it takes to hold this critical swing state governorship -- and to serve as another powerful example of the impact women in executive leadership positions can make. Let's show her the full support of the EMILY's List community and help this champion for Montana working families win.

[EMILY's List operates as a donor network, recommending pro-choice Democratic women candidates to its members, who contribute directly to the candidates they choose.]

Source: 2020 Montana gubernatorial race endorsement: Emily's List Jan 1, 2020

Tim Fox: Ensure Montana is national leader protecting innocent life

Life is a gift that I will always fight to protect. Politicians too often refuse to stand up for the rights of the unborn. As Governor, I'll ensure Montana is a national leader in protecting all innocent life. I will always fight for the lives of the innocent, and the unborn are no exception. Source: 2020 Montana Governor campaign website FoxForGovernor.com Dec 2, 2019

Tim Fox: Joins amicus brief supporting banning abortion at 20 weeks

Montana has joined 18 other states in an amicus brief supporting the constitutionality of North Carolina's 20-week ban on abortions except in a medical emergency. The brief leans upon a growing scientific consensus that a fetus is capable of experiencing pain at the 20-week threshold, if not before, Fox said. "This case is about not only protecting unborn children, but protecting the rights of states to regulate abortion as well." Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race Sep 5, 2019

Gary Perry: Would require parental notification for minors' abortions

Less-well-known Republican Gubernatorial candidate Gary Perry introduced a bill when he was a state senator to require parental notification when a minor has an abortion. Source: MTPR Public Radio on Montana legislative voting record May 21, 2019

Jon Tester: No 20-week ban on abortion

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Matt Rosendale (R): Ban. "I do not believe in abortion. I do not believe that you should provide for any exceptions."

Jon Tester (D): Legal. Opposed post-20 week ban. Sponsored bill prohibiting medically unnecessary requirements on abortion services.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Praised Trump's support for defunding.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Support access to family planning services, preventive care & "life-saving cancer screenings."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Matt Rosendale: No abortion; no exceptions

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Matt Rosendale (R): Ban. "I do not believe in abortion. I do not believe that you should provide for any exceptions."

Jon Tester (D): Legal. Opposed post-20 week ban. Sponsored bill prohibiting medically unnecessary requirements on abortion services.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Praised Trump's support for defunding.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Support access to family planning services, preventive care & "life-saving cancer screenings."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Albert Olszewski: Defend unborn children without exception

I believe in the dignity and value of all human life from conception to natural death, without exception. I have authored original legislation to protect and defend unborn children. I have championed legislation to promote the welfare and safety of our elderly, our disabled, and our families. As your next senator, I will continue to fight for the weak and our most vulnerable. Source: 2018 Montana Senatorial website AlForSenate.us Oct 1, 2017

Albert Olszewski: All human life needs to be protected

Matt Rosendale: Against abortion in all circumstances

Rosendale opposes abortion, without exception: "I support life from conception until natural death." Source: KPAX-8 Missoula on 2018 Montana Senate race Jul 31, 2017

Steve Bullock: An abortion, even late-term, is a legal, personal decision

Gov. Bullock vetoed a proposal that would bar doctors from performing late-term abortions. Bullock said lawmakers should not interfere in "deeply personal medical decisions." The legislation would have banned late-term abortions by requiring doctors to try to save the life of a viable fetus. "A woman could be subjected to forced caesarian section or inducement of labor if continuing her pregnancy after viability threatened her life--in violation of established legal precedent," Bullock said. Source: The Missoulian on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race May 9, 2017

Albert Olszewski: Prohibit abortions after the fetus is 24 weeks

Among the bills proposed by Olszewski include Senate Bill 282, which was amended in the House and passed third reading in the Senate. It prohibits abortions after the fetus is 24 weeks and violations are a felony. He said the bill ensures that a woman in late pregnancy who has a life-threatening health condition that forces her to terminate her pregnancy does so with the safest medical procedures available and have the ability to save the life of the child and herself. Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting record SB 282 Apr 11, 2017

Greg Gianforte: Founded charitable organization to protect the unborn

The Gianforte Family Foundation was established in 2006 by Greg and Susan Gianforte, in response to God's great goodness to them. Since its creation the foundation has become one of the top giving foundations in the state of Montana. Foundation grants focus on improving education, lifting people out of poverty, protecting the unborn, and Christian outreach. Source: 2016 Montana website GianforteFoundation.org Feb 3, 2016

Greg Gianforte: Supported anti-abortion campaigns through Family Foundation

Montana has attracted a small but vocal hard-right Christian coalition, which is where Gianforte, a devout Christian, fits in. The Gianforte Family Foundation has supported anti-abortion campaigns and helped build a museum based on the creationist belief that humans and dinosaurs coexisted. In 2014, Gianforte lobbied against a nondiscrimination ordinance in Bozeman. Source: Ozy.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race Jan 13, 2016

Brad Johnson: Conservative opposition to abortion

Johnson called himself a "proven vote-getter" with strong conservative positions, such as opposition to abortion, support of gun rights, support of "school choice" and opposition to expanded government, such as Medicaid coverage for poor people. Source: KRTV.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race Sep 23, 2015

Steve Bullock: Keep Title X funding for reproductive health services

Governor Steve Bullock released the following statement on the federal proposal which would eliminate Title X family planning funding:

"The reproductive health of low-income women is too important to become a partisan football, which is why--unlike Congress--Montana has removed these decisions from political fights. The move to zero out Title X funding is dangerous and puts the health and safety of Montana women at risk. It's this type of partisan gamesmanship that has Montanans so frustrated with Washington DC."

As governor, Bullock has worked to expand access to reproductive health services for Montanans. He signed into law a measure that makes Title X funding a statutory appropriation, meaning it will not be subject to partisan fights in the legislature. Title X funding provides individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive services, including contraception, mammograms, and other cancer screenings.

Source: 2015 Montana Governor's office press release governor.mt.gov Jun 17, 2015

Albert Olszewski: Voted YES that insurers have plans with and without abortion

Gov. Bullock rejected a bill by Sen.C.Smith that would have required health insurers that offer coverage plans that include elective abortions to also provide a reciprocal plan that does not cover elective abortions. Bullock said the proposal could leave women without coverage options necessary for unforeseen events. "SB 349 would create additional administrative burdens and costs for insurance companies," Bullock wrote.

Legislative Summary: An act requiring an issuer who offers health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion coverage to also sell health insurance coverage that does not include elective abortion coverage.

Governor's Veto Message: I stand firmly opposed to restrictions on a woman's ability to make deeply personal medical decisions in consultation with her medical provider, family members, and spiritual leaders.

Rep. Olszewski voted YEA on April 11, 2015; vote was 54-42-4

Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting records for SB 349 Apr 30, 2015

Matt Rosendale: Rejected that insurers have plans with and without abortion

Gov. Bullock rejected a bill that would have required health insurers that offer coverage plans that include elective abortions to also provide a reciprocal plan that does not cover elective abortions. Bullock said the proposal could leave women without coverage options necessary for unforeseen events. "SB 349 would create additional administrative burdens and costs for insurance companies, potentially doubling the number of insurance products, and ultimately leading to increased costs," Bullock wrote.

Governor's Veto Message: I stand firmly opposed to restrictions on a woman's ability to make deeply personal medical decisions.

Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 29-21-0, 4/15/15; passed Senate 54-42-4, 4/11/15

Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting records for SB 349 Apr 30, 2015

Steve Bullock: Rejected that insurers have plans with and without abortion

Bullock rejected a bill by Sen. Cary Smith that would have required health insurers that offer coverage plans that include elective abortions to also provide a reciprocal plan that does not cover elective abortions. Bullock said the proposal could leave women without coverage options necessary for unforeseen events. "SB 349 would create additional administrative burdens and costs for insurance companies, potentially doubling the number of insurance products, and ultimately leading to increased costs," Bullock wrote.

Governor's Veto Message: As a father, husband, and son, I stand firmly opposed to restrictions on a woman's ability to make deeply personal medical decisions in consultation with her medical provider, family members, and spiritual leaders.

Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting records for SB 349 Apr 30, 2015

Mark Perea: Enforce ban on abortion services, except maybe for rape

Perea, a Catholic, does want the government to enforce a ban on abortion services. "On this issue I don't come from a religious perspective, I come from a constitutional perspective that every human being has a right to life," he said. For Perea, life begins at conception.

Perea said he does struggle with the position when the Chronicle asked about abortions in cases of rape or when carrying the child to birth jeopardized the mother's safety.

Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicle on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race Feb 1, 2015

Ryan Zinke: Protect unborn victims

I believe in the value of life. I believe we must prepare our children for tomorrow with the family values of my grandparents. I believe in the value of life. I have fought for that value. I am the only candidate to carry a right to life bill, protecting unborn victims and ensuring that all life should be protected. Source: 2014 Montana House campaign website, RyanZinke.com Nov 4, 2014

Amanda Curtis: 100% pro-choice voting record

NARAL Pro-Choice America and NARAL Pro-Choice Montana issued a statement congratulating the Montana Democratic Party for having made "a strong choice in nominating Amanda Curtis as the next Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate." Curtis, we learn, "has a 100% pro-choice voting record with NARAL Pro-Choice Montana." Source: LifeNews.com on 2014 Montana Senate race Aug 20, 2014

Champ Edmunds: Human life begins at conception

Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Edmunds: Strongly Agree

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

Edmunds: I am not sure what circumstance would justify killing a baby.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Montana Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Steve Daines: No exceptions for rape nor incest, but no criminalization

A TV ad in Montana says Rep. Steve Daines--who opposes abortion rights--"proposed making women criminals for having an abortion." But the bill that the ad cites as evidence expressly bars "the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child."

The ad was released May 20 by Montana Sen. John Walsh's campaign. The two men differ greatly on the issue of abortion: Walsh supports abortion rights, and Daines opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest. This ad, titled "Melissa," features a woman who says she was raped as a 14-year-old girl and feels insulted by Daines. Melissa says, "Daines sponsored a bill to make abortion illegal for victims of sexual assault. He's even proposed making women criminals for having an abortion."

It's true that Daines "opposes abortion in all instances except life of mother," as his spokesman told us. But the ad goes too far. He has not "proposed making women criminals for having an abortion."

Source: FactCheck.org AdWatch on 2014 Montana Senate race May 22, 2014

John Edward Walsh: Opposes extremism like declaring life begins at conception

Walsh called Daines an extreme opponent of abortion rights, saying he opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest and co-sponsored a bill Walsh said would ban abortion and outlaw birth-control pills.

Walsh also noted Daines' support of HR 1091, which declares that human life begins at conception and extends the rights of equal protection under the 14th Amendment to "each born and preborn human person." The bill was introduced a year ago and has seen no action in a House subcommittee.

Source: Ravalli Republic on 2014 Montana Senate race Mar 9, 2014

John Bohlinger: 2001: Supported Fetal Protection Act & partial-birth ban

Democratic Senate candidate John Bohlinger supported some legislation to restrict abortion rights in Montana but has votes that don't match his rhetoric.

Bohlinger wrote on his Facebook wall that he "consistently voted for a woman's right to choose" while a state legislator, according to The liberal Montana blog Intelligent Disconnect. That blog argues that isn't true, pointing to a low lifetime score from the NARAL Pro-Choice Montana group and a number of votes he took in the legislature. Bohlinger, who served as a Republican in the statehouse and alongside Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) before switching parties for this campaign, voted for the "Fetal Protection Act" in 2001, as well as for laws to ban partial-birth abortion and for parental consent requirements for teenagers to be able to get abortions in Montana.

Source: C.Joseph in The Hill, on 2014 Montana Senate debate Nov 12, 2013

John Bohlinger: Supreme Court decided the issue; state cannot overturn it

[When running at the state level as a Republican], a legal complaint Bohlinger filed disputed a claim from a GOP primary opponent that he was "for abortion": "I have never stated I was for abortions. Abortion is a poor choice, we should prevent the pregnancy or work for adoption. The abortion question does not belong in the Montana Legislature, because the US Supreme Court has ruled that in this country, abortions are legal. In spite of what we may personally think about the question, the Montana Legislature will not be able to overturn a Supreme Court decision," he wrote in the legal filing. Source: C.Joseph in The Hill, on 2014 Montana Senate debate Nov 12, 2013