Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc.

03/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2025 08:43

In Win for Montanans, District Court Strikes Down Two Abortion Bans

In Win for Montanans, District Court Strikes Down Two Abortion Bans

For Immediate Release: March 10, 2025


The ruling permanently blocks a ban on procedural abortions and an effective ban on a form of telehealth medication abortions

HELENA, MT - Today, a Montana district court permanently blocked a ban on dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortions, the safest and most common abortion method starting at approximately 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court also permanently blocked an effective ban on direct-to-patient telehealth medication abortions, a ban that would have made medication abortions more inaccessible and prevented Montanans, especially those living in rural and tribal communities, from accessing care. In its ruling, the district court made clear that "access to abortion care is a fundamental right" and that these bans would have infringed Montanans' right to abortion without addressing a "medically acknowledged, bona fidehealth risk." Both laws had already been temporarily blocked while the lawsuit proceeded.

In 2023, Planned Parenthood of Montana and Dr. Sam Dickman brought a lawsuit to keep the D&E abortion ban and the telehealth ban from taking effect. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs Planned Parenthood of Montana and Dr. Dickman were represented by attorneys from WilmerHale, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the Graybill Law Firm. A district court issued preliminary injunctions preventing these bans from taking effect while the cases proceeded. The Montana Supreme Court held last year that these bans likely violate the Montana Constitution's right to privacy and that they would likely harm Montanans seeking abortions. These laws are now permanently blocked, meaning anyone who seeks an abortion in Montana will face fewer hurdles to get abortion care, no matter what method they choose.

In the November 2024 election, Montana voters overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Initiative 128, which further secures abortion rights in Montana.

Statement from Martha Fuller, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Montana:

"We are relieved that these dangerous bans on abortion will no longer pose a threat to Montanans trying to access basic health care. Politicians have been desperate in their attempts to ban abortion, and while Montana has strong legal protections, their attempts cause confusion and chaos for patients. Montanans made their voices heard last year when they voted to further enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution, sending a message that the government has no place in exam rooms. With this win, we will continue to fight and ensure everyone in Montana can make their own decisions about their own health care and futures."

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

"We are celebrating this victory that enables Montanans to continue making their own health decisions without unnecessary barriers. This was yet another attempt to curb abortion access in Montana despite the strong privacy protections in the state constitution. Montanans have always made it clear that they want the freedom to make their own decisions about their own bodies and lives, most recently by voting to explicitly protect it in the constitution. Planned Parenthood will continue our fight to make sure every Montanan can access care without stigma or government interference."

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. published this content on March 10, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 11, 2025 at 14:43 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]