Reproductive Rights Update: Montana

[Content Note: War on agency; reproductive rights; dehumanization; Christian Supremacy.]

There are two issues happening in Montana. One will definitely be on the ballot in November, the other is currently getting signatures to be able to be on the ballot.

First, on the ballot is LR-120 (HB 627), which requires parental consent for a minor to obtain an abortion. It will read (.pdf):

LR-120 prohibits a physician from performing an abortion on a minor under 16 years of age unless a physician notifies a parent or legal guardian of the minor at least 48 hours prior to the procedure. Notice is not required if: (1) there is a medical emergency; (2) it is waived by a youth court in a sealed proceeding; or (3) it is waived by the parent or guardian. A person who performs an abortion in violation of the act, or who coerces a minor to have an abortion, is subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability.

The other issue is CI-108, a "personhood" initiative. CI-108 reads:

CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 108

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION

The due process section of the Montana Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. CI-108 amends the due process section of the Montana Constitution to define “person” as used in that section to apply to “all human beings at every stage of development, including the stage of fertilization or conception, regardless of age, health, level of functioning, or condition of dependency.” It grants due process rights at every stage of biological development, including fertilization or conception.

And what of the right of the person with the uterus to not be forced by law to carry a pregnancy to term? *crickets*

There are no exceptions written into this initiative for, well, anything. The "rights" of a blastocyst are foremost to the rights of the person with the uterus.

The sponsor of the initiative is Dr. Annie Bukacek, an outspoken anti-choice activist. A couple years ago, Dr. Bukacek was under investigation for Medicaid fraud, the doctor was apparently asked to leave a group practice because she refused to stop praying with patients, and was a force behind the previously-failed attempt to get "personhood" on the ballot two years ago in Montana (6,000 signatures short). She said:

"The killing of innocent humans is not compatible with a civilized society. We have barely begun the fight for the rights and liberties of unborn babies, and we will keep working at it until their personhood is established in our Montana Constitution."

But what is "compatible with a civilized society" is negating the rights of people with uteri? I see.

The status of the initiative so far is:

Signatures received and tallied by SOS: 3,270 of 48,674 total signatures needed; qualified in 4 of 40 legislative districts needed.

October is the deadline for signatures.