Montana Supreme Court Rules Minors Don't Need Parental Consent for Abortion

HELENA, Mont. — In a landmark decision, the Montana Supreme Court ruled that minors do not need parental consent to obtain an abortion, declaring the existing law unconstitutional. The unanimous ruling emphasized that minors possess a fundamental right to privacy, which includes making medical decisions regarding their reproductive health. Justice Laurie McKinnon stated that this right is akin to that of adults, allowing minors to engage with healthcare providers without governmental interference. The ruling comes at a critical time as the state prepares for a U.S. Senate race, with incumbent Democrat Jon Tester facing Republican challenger Tim Sheehy. Tester praised the decision, asserting that women should have the autonomy to make their own healthcare choices. Conversely, Sheehy expressed concern over the ruling, arguing it undermines parental rights and could endanger young girls. Montana's Republican Governor Greg Gianforte also criticized the court's decision, lamenting the loss of parental oversight in medical decisions for minors. The court's decision invalidates the Parental Consent for Abortion Act, which had been stalled in litigation since its passage in 2013. The law required minors to obtain parental consent or a judicial waiver before seeking an abortion. The ruling aligns with a broader national conversation on abortion rights, particularly as an initiative to protect pre-viability abortion rights is set to appear on the November ballot in Montana. As the political landscape shifts, the ruling underscores the ongoing debate over reproductive rights and parental involvement, with implications for both state and national politics.