Montana News
Requiring parental consent for abortions is unconstitutional, State Supreme Court says
With Montana News, I'm Elinor Smith. Montana's High Court reinforced protections for abortion Wednesday. The justices unanimously agreed that a law requiring parental consent for a minor seeking an abortion is unconstitutional. MTP R. Shaley Rager reports. A majority of justices signed on to an opinion that found the law violates the fundamental right of a minor to control their body and destiny. It reaffirms past legal precedent that protects access to abortion under the state constitution's right to privacy and equal protection clause. The opinion says the state failed to demonstrate why parental consent must be required for abortion and no other medical procedure for minors. The law originally passed in 2013 and has been tied up in court since. Martha Fuller, president of Planned Parenthood of Montana, applauded the ruling. She said Montanans deserve access to abortion. Governor Greg Gienforte has signed around a dozen anti-abortion bills into law. He said in a statement, "He's deeply concerned and disappointed by the ruling, saying it erodes parental rights." While the decision to overturn the law was unanimous, Justice Jim Rice wrote a separate opinion. He criticized the length of time it took for the court to resolve the issue and disagreed with some of the legal analysis. In Helena, I'm Shaley Rager.