Gianforte Touted Abortion Restrictions Enacted In The 2021 Legislature, And Said His Commitment To Abortion “Will Never Waiver.” According to the Montana Free Press, “’All life is precious and must be protected,’ Gianforte said to widespread applause by Republican attendees — and notable stoicism from Democrats. He touted abortion restrictions enacted in the 2021 Legislature, though he noted that several are tied up in the courts. The 2021 bills include a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestational age. Gianforte said his commitment to the issue ‘will never waiver,’ though he didn’t specifically call out any new anti-abortion measures this session. (Republican legislators have advanced several anti-abortion proposals this session.)” [Montana Free Press, 1/25/23]
HEADLINE: “Montana Governor Signs 3 Bills Restricting Abortion Access.” [Associated Press, 4/26/21]
Helena Independent Record: Gianforte Campaigned For Governor On Limiting Access To Abortion. According to the Helena Independent Record, “Similar legislation had been passed by the state’s GOP-majority Legislature in years past but was vetoed by Democratic governors. In 2020, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte won election; he campaigned on limiting access to abortion. ‘Thank you for standing up for life in your communities,’ Gianforte said Friday.’ [Helena Independent Record, 1/14/22]
Gianforte Was Endorsed By The Susan B. Anthony List During His 2016 Run For Governor. According to the Great Falls Tribune, “Gianforte also received the endorsement from the group when he ran for governor in 2016. He said he was proud to get the latest backing of SBA List. ‘Unfortunately, Montanans have seen what 14 years of one-party control of the governor’s office looks like, veto after veto after veto of protections for the unborn,’ he said in a news release announcing the endorsement. ‘I believe every unborn child has the inherent, God-given right to life. I’ll always stand for life and will continue working to protect the most innocent and vulnerable among us, the unborn child.’” [Great Falls Tribune, 8/28/19]
Gianforte Was Endorsed By The Susan B. Anthony List During His 2020 Run For Governor. According to the Great Falls Tribune, “The Gianforte Family Foundation has donated $200,000 over several years to a pro-life group that recently endorsed Rep. Greg Gianforte’s run for governor, stoking more comment by other pro-life Republicans in the race angered that they had been passed over. A review of donors for The Charlotte Lozier Institute by Sludge, an online news website, notes the Gianforte foundation donated $200,000 from 2013 to 2017 to the institute, which is a research and education division of the Susan B. Anthony List, an organization focused on electing candidates and passing policies that will reduce and end abortion.” [Great Falls Tribune, 8/30/19]
2021: Gianforte Said He Supported House Bill 136 That Would Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks. According to the Helena Independent Record, “During his State of the State address in January, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte said he supported two bills, including House Bill 136 that would ban abortions after 20 weeks gestational age and HB 167 that would put to voters the so-called ‘Montana Born-Alive Infant Protection Act.’” [Helena Independent Record, 2/25/21]
2021: Gianforte Signed A Bill Into Law That Banned Abortion After 20 Weeks. According to the Independent, “One of the bills signed by Mr Gianforte bans abortions after 20 weeks. Another requires providers to give pregnant women the option of seeing an ultrasound before going ahead with the procedure. The third bill signed by the governor on Monday restricts the use of abortion pills.” [Independent, 4/27/21]
The Montana Supreme Court Blocked The 20 Week Abortion Ban From Taking Effect. According to the Hill, “Montana’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that temporarily blocks further restrictions on abortion. Planned Parenthood in a statement Tuesday announced that the Montana Supreme Court blocked three separate laws that were enacted during the state’s legislative session last year from taking effect. One of the laws would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, while another would have created numerous barriers to medication abortion, and a third would have implemented a mandatory ultrasound offer and documentation requirement for those seeking an abortion. A district court in September blocked those three laws from taking effect. Planned Parenthood’s Montana chapter filed the initial lawsuit challenging them.” [The Hill, 8/9/22]
Jan. 2019: Gianforte Cosponsored A Bill That Would Establish A New Criminal Offense For Performing An Abortion After 20 Weeks For Gestation, And Would Subject A Violator To Criminal Penalties Including A Fine, Prison Term Of Up To Five Years, Or Both. In January 2019, Gianforte cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “establishes a new criminal offense for performing or attempting to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus is 20 weeks or more. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. The bill provides exceptions for an abortion (1) that is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote. [Cosponsored, 1/24/19; Congressional Quarterly, 1/24/19; Congressional Actions, H.R. 784]
ACLU Op-ed: “Gianforte Also Cosponsored A 2019 Bill That Would Have Sent Health Care Providers To Prison For Up To Five Years For Providing Abortion Services.” According to an Op-Ed by Caitlin Borgman, the executive director of the ACLU of Montana, “Congressman Gianforte has publicly stated that he supports overturning Roe v. Wade. Gianforte also cosponsored a 2019 bill that would have sent health care providers to prison for up to five years for providing abortion services. Criminalizing doctors and nurses for performing abortions may sound far-fetched to some, but it is a real threat. In prior legislative sessions, some Montana legislators have threatened health care providers with criminal punishment—including jail time—for providing abortions. Health care professionals cannot focus on providing the best care possible for their patients when they fear being arrested and jailed.” [Caitlin Borgman – Billings Gazette, 10/7/20]
2017: Gianforte Effectively Voted Against Allowing An Exception For The Health Of The Mother From A 20-Week Abortion Ban. In October 2017, Gianforte effectively voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “add[ed] an exception to the 20-week abortion ban for abortions necessary to save the health of the pregnant woman.” The underlying legislation was a 20-week abortion ban. The House rejected the motion to recommit by a vote of 187 to 238. [House Vote 548, 10/3/17; Congressional Quarterly, 10/3/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 36]
2017: Gianforte Voted For The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, Which Banned Abortion After 20-Weeks. In October 2017, Gianforte voted for legislation banning abortion after the fetus is 20-weeks old. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Passage of the bill that would prohibit abortions in cases where the probable age of the fetus is 20 weeks or later and would impose criminal penalties on doctors who violate the ban. It would provide exceptions for cases in which the woman’s life is in danger as well as for pregnancies that are a result of rape for pregnancies that are a result of rape against an adult woman, if the woman received counseling or medical treatment for the rape at least 48 hours prior to the abortion. An exception would be provided for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest against a minor if the rape or incest had been previously reported to law enforcement or another government agency authorized to act on reports of child abuse. The bill would require a second doctor trained in neonatal resuscitation to be present for abortions where the fetus has the ‘potential’ to survive outside the womb.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 237 to 189. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 549, 10/3/17; Congressional Quarterly, 10/3/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 36]
Gianforte Signed Legislative Referendum 131, Launched By House Bill 167, Which Would Put The Montana Born-alive Infant Protection Act To The Voters. According to the Montana Free Press, “When voters review their ballots this fall, the only mention of abortion they’ll see will be in the eye-catching language of LR-131, a legislative referendum on the Montana Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, which has sparked intense and bitter debate between supporters and opponents. The referendum was launched by House Bill 167, which passed last year’s Legislature along party lines and was signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte. It asks Montanans to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the following statements: that ‘infants born alive, including infants born alive after an abortion, are legal persons,’ and that health care providers are required to ‘take necessary actions to preserve the life of a born-alive infant.’ “ [Montana Free Press, 9/23/22]
The Legislative Referendum On The Montana Born-alive Infant Protection Act Would Charge Medical Providers With A Felony And They Would Face Up To 20 Years In Prison And A $50,000 Fine If Passed. According to the Montana Free Press, “The bill’s Republican supporters have framed the measure as a clear, morally righteous policy to make it ‘abundantly clear’ that vulnerable infants in Montana are protected from harm. If medical providers don’t comply with the law, they could be reported to law enforcement, charged with a felony, and face up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. “ [Montana Free Press, 9/23/22]
HEADLINE: “Numbers Show 53% Vote Against Born Alive Infant Protection Act.” [NonStop Local, 11/9/22]
Daily Caller: Gianforte’s Office Expressed Support For A Born-alive Bill That Would Bypass The Referendum. According to the Daily Caller, “The two bills Gianforte has vowed to sign are the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which bans abortion after twenty weeks, and the Montana Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, which would put to voters a referendum requiring medical care to be provided to babies who survive abortion attempts. The governor’s office reportedly expressed support for a separate but similar bill from Sen. David Howard, which has yet to pass, that would bypass a referendum and take effect upon being signed by the governor.” [Daily Caller, 2/25/21]
Gianforte’s Policy Director Spoke In Support Of Senate Bill 315, The “Born-alive Infant Protection Act,” Which Was Similar To The Referendum But Would Not Require The Question Be Put To The Voters. According to the Helena Independent Record, “On Wednesday, Sen. David Howard, R-Park City, advocated for his Senate Bill 315, the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, in a Senate committee. Howard’s bill is similar to the ‘born-alive’ referendum but would not put the question to voters and instead become effective upon passage by the Legislature and being signed by the governor. The bill would need to clear the Senate by Wednesday’s transmittal deadline to advance. Gianforte’s policy director spoke in support of Howard’s bill Wednesday. Howard said Thursday he was aiming to amend his bill to include a provision that if it passes, the referendum bill would be struck.” [Helena Independent Record, 2/25/21]
Feb. 2019: Gianforte Cosponsored The Born-alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act Which Would Establish Requirements For A Degree Of Care In The Result A Child Is Born Alive Following An Abortion Or Attempted Abortion And Specified That An Individual Who Intentionally Kills Or Attempts To Kill A Child Would Be Subject To Prosecution For Murder. In February 2019, Gianforte cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “establishes requirements for the degree of care a health care practitioner must exercise in the event a child is born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion. A health care practitioner who is present must (1) exercise the same degree of care as reasonably provided to another child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) immediately admit the child to a hospital. The bill also requires a health care practitioner or other employee to immediately report any failure to comply with this requirement to law enforcement. A person who violates the requirements is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. Additionally, an individual who intentionally kills or attempts to kill a child born alive is subject to prosecution for murder. The bill bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive for conspiracy to violate these provisions, for being an accessory after the fact, or for concealment of felony. A woman who undergoes an abortion or attempted abortion may file a civil action for damages against an individual who violates this bill.” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote. [Cosponsored, 2/5/19; Congressional Quarterly, 2/5/19; Congressional Actions, H.R. 962]
2018: Gianforte Cosponsored And Voted For The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act Which Required Health Care Workers Care For An Infant Born Instead Of Aborted Resultant From A Failed Abortion. In January 2018, Gianforte voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “require[d] health care practitioners to provide care to an infant born alive during a failed abortion that is equivalent to the care they would provide to any other infant born at the same gestational age. It would [have] impose[d] criminal fines, and penalties of up to five years in prison, for failure to do so, and would provide for a patient in such circumstances to file a lawsuit against the health care provider for certain monetary and punitive damages. The bill would [have] require[d] hospital and clinic practitioners and employees to report any knowledge of failures to provide such care to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement agency, and would [have] permit[ted] prosecution of individuals who fail to do so.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 241 to 183. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 36, 1/19/18; Congressional Quarterly, 1/19/18; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4712]
Oct. 2020: Gianforte Accused His Democratic Opponent As Being “Pro-infanticide” Because He Did Not Support The Born Alive Bill. According to Montana Public Radio, “Gianforte said the bill would have required that babies be cared for if they’re born during a ‘botched abortion.’ He said he would have signed the bill into law. In Bullock’s veto letter, the governor said the bill had little to do with health care for babies, but was a reflection of a divisive national conversation. He said it sought to address a medical practice that does not exist. Bullock also wrote that federal law already protects and provides for care of infants. Gianforte criticized Cooney harshly for being part of the administration that vetoed the bill. ‘He is not only pro-abortion, apparently he is pro-infanticide, as well.’ Cooney pushed back against the suggestion that infants would be deprived of medical care without the policy. ‘You know that is a bald-faced lie. I resent you saying that.’ Cooney said he’s not in favor of abortion, but is in favor of allowing a woman to make a choice about having an abortion. Gianforte said he’s more concerned about the baby. “ [Montana Public Radio, 10/07/20]
Gianforte Identified As Pro-Life And Stated That We Should Value ‘Life From Conception To Natural Death.’ According to Billings Gazette, The, ‘‘I am pro-life. We should have a culture that values life from conception to natural death,’ Gianforte said. ‘We have an obligation to help the most vulnerable in our society who can’t help themselves. Science, faith and common sense compel us to the common understanding that life begins at conception, and should be protected. This is one of our most fundamental freedoms, the first one mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, the right to life.’’ [Billings Gazette, 5/5/17]
2016: Gianforte Said He Believed Life Should Be Protected From Conception To Actual Death. According to ABC Fox, “’I’ve been very clear. I’m pro-life. And I think that life is very precious and should be protected from conception to actual death,’ says Greg Gianforte, candidate for governor, ‘And I’ve also said that I’m running for one reason, and that’s to create high-paying jobs here, in the state.’” [ABC Fox, 10/26/16]
Jan. 2019: Gianforte Cosponsored The Life At Conception Act, Which Would Declare That The Right To Life Guaranteed By The Constitution Was Vested In Each Human Being, Including At The Moment Of Fertilization. In January 2019, Gianforte cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Nothing in this bill shall be construed to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote. [Cosponsored, 1/16/19; Congressional Quarterly, 1/16/19; Congressional Actions, H.R. 616]
In The House, Gianforte Cosponsored The 2017 “Life At Conception Act,” Which Would Have Given Constitutional Rights To Fertilized Eggs, Embryos, Fetuses, And Clones, Thus Banning Abortion And Some Forms Of Contraception. According to Rewire News Group, “Since joining Congress, Gianforte co-sponsored several anti-choice bills, including the 2017 ‘Life at Conception Act,’ a personhood measure that would have given constitutional rights to fertilized eggs, embryos, fetuses, and clones—thus banning abortion and some forms of contraception. He also co-sponsored Rep. Steve King’s (R-IA) ‘Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017,’ a near-total abortion ban that would have prohibited abortion around six weeks into pregnancy, before many people know they are pregnant.” [Rewire News Group, 6/10/19]
Gianforte Cosponsored The 2017 Life At Conception Act Which Declared The Right To Life Guaranteed By The Constitution Was Vested In Each Human At The Moment Of Fertilization. In July 2018, Gianforte Cosponsored a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “This bill declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Nothing in this bill shall be construed to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The was introduced and referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. [Congressional Quarterly, 1/24/17, Congressional Actions, H.R. 681, Cosponsored 7/12/18]
Gianforte Signed Senate Bill 215, The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Which Bolstered Religious Beliefs As A Claim Or Defense In Court. According to the Helena Independent Record, “Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte on Thursday signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, bolstering religious beliefs as a claim or defense in court. The act, also known as Kila Republican Sen. Carl Glimm’s Senate Bill 215, requires a state government agency to show a ‘compelling governmental interest’ in order to interfere with a person’s religious beliefs. Gianforte had supported the bill during the legislative process.” [Helena Independent Record, 4/22/21]
Matt Sharp, Senior Council With The Alliance Defending Freedom, Said Laws Like Senate Bill 215 Had Been Used To Protect Catholic Religious Groups Refusing To Pay For Some Contraceptives. According to the Missoula Current, “Supporters of SB 215 said the federal government and more than 20 other states have their own version of an RFRA. They said the goal is to make sure that potential impacts on someone’s religious expression are considered with the highest scrutiny in courts. Matt Sharp, senior counsel with the national Christian-oriented legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, said this type of law has been used infrequently in states where it has been implemented, and he did not see it as encouraging discrimination. […] During his testimony, Sharp pointed to examples of strongly held religious beliefs he argued ought to be protected, including Muslim men wearing beards, Jewish business owners closing on Saturdays, Catholic religious groups refusing to pay for some contraceptives and Christian florists declining to provide services for same-sex weddings.” [Missoula Current, 2/17/21]
Gianforte Said The Only Exception He Supported Was To Save The Life Of The Mother. According to the Associated Press, “Gianforte said the only time abortion should be allowed is when a woman’s life is in jeopardy. ‘I don’t think the government should get in between that. But that’s the only exception I would make.’” [Associated Press, 4/30/17]
Gianforte Said There Was Room For The Federal Government To Place Restrictions On Late-term And Partial-birth Abortions. According to the Associated Press, “There is room, Gianforte said, for the federal government to place restrictions on abortions, namely by prohibiting the abortion when a fetus is developed enough to feel pain. Late-term and partial-birth abortions can be limited, he said.” [Associated Press, 5/5/17]
Billings Gazette: Between 2005 And 2013, The Gianforte Family Foundation Contributed $1,724,037 To “Family, Women’s Health, Or Anti-abortion” Including Groups Like Montana Right To Life And Other Anti-Abortion Groups. According to the Billings Gazette, “Family, women’s health or anti-abortion, $1,724,037 Both the Montana Family Foundation and the national advocacy group Focus on the Family have received more than $500,000 each from the Gianforte foundation. The groups promote abstinence-only sexual education and school prayer while opposing divorce, gay marriage and nondiscrimination ordinances that protect transgendered people. Others in this category include faith-based women’s health centers that oppose abortion and groups, like Montana Right to Life, that advocate for its ban or at least restriction. Gianforte opposed Bozeman’s nondiscrimination ordinance, which created explicit protections for gays and lesbians, because he says such regulations are onerous and burdensome on businesses. He has previously said that ‘discrimination is wrong’ and noted that his company hired on merit alone. Gianforte also described himself as pro-life. He declined to say if he would support legislation to expand restrictions on abortion.” [Billings Gazette, 3/27/16]
Montana Public Radio: From 2008 To 2018 The Gianforte Family Foundation Gave More Than A Million Dollars To Crisis Pregnancy Centers In Montana. According to Montana Public Radio, “From 2008 to 2018, Gianforte’s foundation gave over $1 million to crisis pregnancy centers in Montana. They offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, but not abortions. There are thousands of these clinics across the country, some of which receive state funding. NBC did a report about them last year.” [Montana Public Radio, 9/15/20]
[Video] 2016: Gianforte Touted Family Contributions To Crisis Pregnancy Centers During The 2016 Gubernatorial Debate. MODERATOR: I’m wondering, do you support tougher restrictions on abortion in Montana and if so what? And also, do you support rejecting the federal family planning money for Planned Parenthood as many opponents of abortion do?
GIANFORTE: “So, there’s a multifaceted question there, let me start with, we need to make sure that we have medical care for women in this state. Federal law prohibits funds going to fund abortion and I think that’s the law of the land. I am pro-life, I’m pleased to have the endorsement of the Susan B. Anthony List. I think we should have a culture of life, and my wife and I are the proud parents of a young daughter uh and uh my wife, you know my wife as well needs care. And for our own part, you know we have helped fund a number of women’s medical clinics. I think the key thing is how do we continue to provide care for women and have a culture of life here in Montana.” [Youtube, Montana Videos 2016, 10/8/16]
Gianforte Cosponsored H.R. 490, The Heartbeat Protection Act Of 2017, Which Would Have Amended The Federal Criminal Code To Make It A Crime For A Physician To Knowingly Perform And Abortion If The Fetus Had A Detectable Heartbeat, And Would Have Subjected Abortion Providers To Criminal Penalties. On , Gianforte Cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion: (1) without determining whether the fetus has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat. It provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill..” The Bill was introduced and referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. [Introduced, 1/12/17, Congressional Quarterly, 1/12/17, Congressional Actions, H.R. 490, Cosponsored 9/18/17]
Jan. 2019: Gianforte Cosponsored A Bill That Would Make It A Crime For A Physician To Knowingly Perform An Abortion If The Fetus Had A Detectable Heartbeat, With Some Exceptions. In January 2019, Gianforte Cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the fetus has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat. It provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote.” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote. [Cosponsored, 1/11/19; Congressional Quarterly, 1/11/19; Congressional Actions, H.R. 490]
The Gianforte Administration Recently Proposed An Administrative Rule That Would Make It More Difficult For Women To Have An Abortion Paid For By Medicaid. According to KHN, “The Gianforte administration also recently proposed an administrative rule that would make it more difficult for women to have an abortion paid for by Medicaid.” [KHN, 1/9/23]
Starting May First, Abortion Providers Would Be Required To Submit A Request For Prior Authorization, A Signed Physician Certification Form Requiring A Physical Exam, And Would Require That Abortions Be Conducted By A Physician, Not A Nurse Practitioner. According to the Daily Montanan, “Abortion providers in Montana will be required to submit additional paperwork to the state for Medicaid-funded abortions starting May 1. That’s according to a new rule being instituted by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services that was put out for public comment in December. Abortion providers will have to submit a request for prior authorization along with a signed physician certification form requiring a physical exam. All Medicaid funded abortions will also need to be conducted by a physician, excluding nurse practitioners.” [Daily Montanan, 4/20/23]
2021: Gianforte Signed A Bill Into Law That Restricted Medication Abortion. According to the Independent, “One of the bills signed by Mr Gianforte bans abortions after 20 weeks. Another requires providers to give pregnant women the option of seeing an ultrasound before going ahead with the procedure. The third bill signed by the governor on Monday restricts the use of abortion pills.” [Independent, 4/27/21]
Gianforte Signed House Bill 171 Which Added Numerous Requirements To Medication Abortions, Including That Providers Report Specific Demographic Information About Patients To The State’s Public Health Department And Banned The Use Of Telehealth Appointments And Mail Delivery Of Abortion Pills. According to the Montana Free Press, “The case debates the constitutionality of three laws signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte last April. House Bill 136 prohibits abortions after 20 weeks gestational age. House Bill 140 requires providers to offer patients an ultrasound before an abortion. HB 171 adds numerous requirements to medication abortions, including that providers report specific demographic information about patients to the state’s public health department. That law also bans the use of telehealth appointments and the mail delivery of abortion pills for earlier-term procedures.” [Montana Free Press, 8/9/22]
Feb. 2021: SBA: “Montana Was The First State To Place Its Own Restrictions On Dangerous Chemical Abortion.” According to a press release from Susan B. Anthony List, “’We are thrilled to see Montana enact strong laws to protect unborn children and their mothers,’ said Sue Liebel, SBA List’s state policy director. ‘With pro-life Governor Greg Gianforte at the helm, our pro-life allies in the Montana Legislature worked swiftly to advance these pro-life protections, which reflect the will of the people. Montana is now the first state to place its own restrictions on dangerous chemical abortion pills – a vital safeguard to keep women informed about the risky business of chemical abortion, even if FDA safety standards on abortion pills should be removed, as has become increasingly likely under a Biden presidency.” [Press Release – Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, 2/25/21]
Americans United For Life: In 2021, Gianforte Signed Six Abortion Bills Into Law, Including And “The Most Comprehensive Chemical Abortion Bill In The County,” Which Was Based On Americans United For Life’s Coalition Model Bill. According Americans United For Life, “Montana historically has experienced challenges in protecting Life, but recently has made pro-life strides. Because of the state supreme court’s Armstrong decision, despite Roe’s overturn, abortion likely will be legal through when the unborn child is ‘capable of feeling pain.’ In 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte signed six abortion bills into law, including abortion defunding measures, informed consent safeguards, and the most comprehensive chemical abortion bill in the country, which was based on AUL’s coalition model bill. Unfortunately, a bill to require treatment for infants born alive after abortion was voted down by Montanans in the 2022 Mid-Terms.” [Montana Pro-Life Laws – Americans United for Life, Viewed 4/10/23]
The Montana Supreme Court Blocked House Bill 171 From Taking Effect. According to the Montana Free Press, “In a five-justice panel’s unanimous decision, the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a district court decision to block three abortion restriction laws from taking effect while the case proceeds. The high court said the case between Planned Parenthood of Montana and the state of Montana, defended by Attorney General Austin Knudsen, can continue in the Yellowstone County district court where it began.” [Montana Free Press, 8/9/22]
HEADLINE: “Daines, Gianforte Sign Letter Seeking FDA Ban On Abortion Pill.” [Billings Gazette, 9/3/20]
Gianforte Signed A Pair Of Letters Asking The Fda To Ban Mifepristone. According to the Billings Gazette, “U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana are among the Republican signers to a pair of letters asking the Food and Drug Administration to ban a pill that ends early pregnancies. The letters object, among other things, to a federal court decision suspending a requirement that the medication mifepristone (also known as Mifeprex or RU-486) be prescribed only during in-person appointments. They term the court’s action ‘rogue judicial activism’ and an ‘opportunistic ploy to expand access to abortion.’ The decision continues a policy allowing physicians to prescribe the drug during telehealth appointments and arrange for it to be mailed or delivered during the pandemic.” [Billings Gazette, 9/3/20]
Sept. 2019: Gianforte Cosponsored A Bill Which Would Prohibit The FDA From Approving Any New Drug Intended To Terminate A Pregnancy And Impose Additional Restrictions Of Drugs That Were Already Approved. In September 2019, Gianforte cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving any new drug (either as a brand-name drug or a generic) intended to terminate a pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on such drugs that are already approved. Under the bill, an already-approved drug intended to terminate a pregnancy may be dispensed to a patient only with a prescription. Furthermore, the FDA may not approve any labeling change that would authorize (1) using the drug after 70 days of gestation, or (2) dispensing the drug by any means other than in-person administration by the prescribing health care practitioner. The FDA must also impose additional restrictions on such already-approved drugs, including by (1) requiring the prescribing health care practitioner to receive a special certification, (2) prohibiting the practitioner to also act as the dispensing pharmacist, and (3) requiring the practitioner to have the ability to provide surgical intervention to the patient. The bill also rescinds any investigational use exemption already granted to such a drug if the bill would have prohibited the FDA from granting the exemption. (Currently, the FDA may grant an exemption to certain market approval requirements if a drug is intended solely for use in safety and effectiveness investigations.)” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote. [Cosponsored, 9/19/19; Congressional Quarterly, 9/19/19; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4399]
Gianforte: “Taxpayers Shouldn’t Foot The Bill For Elective Abortions.” According to Kaiser Health News, “The push to change the regulations is borne of a belief by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration that health providers are using existing rules that allow Medicaid reimbursements to cover abortions that aren’t medically necessary. ‘Taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill for elective abortions,’ said Gianforte spokesperson Brooke Stroyke. Medical professionals have said the term ‘elective abortions’ can misrepresent the complex reasons someone may seek an abortion and constrain health providers from making their best clinical judgment. Laurie Sobel, associate director of Women’s Health Policy at KFF, said that appears to be the aim of the Montana proposal’s focus on defining medically necessary abortions. ‘It looks like Montana’s trying to curtail abortion access under Medicaid and take the conversation of ‘medically necessary’ away from a physician and a patient,’ Sobel said.” [Kaiser Health News, 1/24/23]
Gianforte Signed A Bill Into Law To Prohibit Health Insurance Plans Sold On The Federal Exchange From Covering Abortion. According to the Helena Independent Record, “Last year Planned Parenthood of Montana requested a preliminary injunction for a trio of new abortion laws passed by GOP lawmakers and signed by new Gov. Greg Gianforte. The laws being challenged would ban abortions after 20 weeks gestational age; require a woman to be informed of the option to view an ultrasound before an abortion; and require informed consent before a drug-induced abortion and block providing the medication through the mail. A fourth law prohibiting health insurance plans sold on the federal exchange from covering abortion, was not part of the preliminary injunction request.” [Helena Independent Record, 1/20/22]
Gianforte Signed House Bill 299 Which Prohibited State Health Insurance Plans Sold Through The Federal Exchange From Including Abortion Coverage. According to the Montana Free Press, “At issue are four bills that mostly sailed through the Republican-held Legislature this winter and spring: HB 136 largely bans abortions after 20 weeks; HB 140 requires providers to offer patients an ultrasound before their procedure; HB 171 adds new restrictions on abortions early in pregnancy and prohibits the use of telemedicine and mail-delivered abortion medication; and HB 299 prohibits state health insurance plans sold through the federal exchange from including abortion coverage. In a celebratory bill signing for the first three pieces of legislation, Gov. Greg Gianforte heralded lawmakers’ efforts to ‘champion the unborn’ and ‘advance the cause of life,’ referencing 16 years of Democratic governors vetoing similar legislative efforts.” [Montana Free Press, 8/16/21]
2017: Gianforte Supported Defunding Planned Parenthood. According to Missoulian, “Greg Gianforte, the Republican running to fill Montana’s empty U.S. House seat, would support taking away funding for Planned Parenthood […]” [Missoulian, 4/29/17]
2017: Gianforte Said He Would Support Defunding Planned Parenthood Because He Did Not Think They Had Been “A Particularly Good Steward Of Resources” And That He Did Not Believe Tax Dollars Should Pay For Abortions. According to the Associated Press, “Gianforte’s response to a debate question about whether he supports de-funding Planned Parenthood – a nonprofit that provides reproductive health care to women, as well as abortions in some clinics – mirrored the answer he gave during a joint appearance with Quist at the Independent Record’s editorial board meeting Friday. ‘I don’t think that … tax dollars should be used to pay for abortion. … I don’t believe that organization has been a particularly good steward of resources, so yes I would,’ he said at the editorial board meeting.” [Associated Press, 4/30/17]
Jan. 2019: Gianforte Cosponsored The Defund Planned Parenthood Act Of 2019 Which Would Temporarily Restrict Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood For One Year. In January 2019, Gianforte cosponsored a bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, “temporarily restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. Specifically, the bill prohibits, for a one-year period, the availability of federal funds for any purpose to this entity, or any of its affiliates or clinics, unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion during such period. This restriction does not apply in cases of rape or incest or where a physical condition endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must seek repayment of federal assistance received by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any affiliate or clinic, if it violates the terms of the certification required by this bill. Additional funding for community health centers is provided for the one-year period described above (subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions).” The bill was introduced and was not brought for a vote. [Cosponsored, 1/9/19; Congressional Quarterly, 1/9/19; Congressional Actions, H.R. 369]
Gianforte’s Administration Wanted To Reverse A 1999 State Supreme Court Ruling That Said The State’s Constitutional Right To Privacy Extended To Abortions. According to CBS News, “In Montana, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration wants to reverse a 1999 state Supreme Court ruling that said the state’s constitutional right to privacy extends to abortions. Republicans could bypass the courts and go straight to the state’s voters to make that change without the support of Democratic legislators. That’s after Republican lawmakers clinched a supermajority — two-thirds of the legislative seats, allowing the GOP to overturn vetoes and forward constitutional amendments to the ballot.” [CBS News, 2/14/23]
Gianforte Asked The State Supreme Court To Overturn Its 1999 Decision Which Held That Abortion Access Was Protected Under The Montana Constitution’s Right To Privacy. According to Montana Public Radio, “Montana’s Republican governor and Republican-led Legislature are now seeking to restrict abortion access. Gov. Greg Gianforte and state Attorney General Austin Knudsen are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn its 1999 decision in the case Armstrong v. State, in which it held that abortion access is protected under the Montana Constitution’s right to privacy.” [Montana Public Radio, 4/5/23]
Gianforte Called The Dobbs Decision A “Historic Win For Life, Families, And Science.” According to a pres release from the office of the Montana Governor, “Mont. Governor Greg Gianforte today issued the following statement on the United States Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Today marks a historic win for life, families, and science, Gov. Gianforte said. With this monumental decision, the Supreme Court has restored power to the American people and their elected representatives. I’m in discussions with legislative leaders on next steps as we work to protect life in Montana.” [Press Release – Office of the Governor, 6/24/22]
After The Dobbs Decision Leaked, Gianforte Said He Joined “Millions Of Hopeful Americans That Roe V. Wade Will Be Put Into The Vault Of History And That The American People And Their Elected Representatives Will Be Empowered Once Again. According to the Montana Free Press, “Montanans who oppose abortion, including Gov. Greg Gianforte, celebrated the signal that Roe may soon fall. ‘While outraged by this extraordinary breach, I join millions of hopeful Americans that Roe v. Wade will be put into the vault of history and that the American people and their elected representatives will be empowered once again,’ Gianforte said in a Tuesday statement. The draft opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito and obtained by the news site Politico, says the 1972 Roe v. Wade decision was ‘egregiously wrong’ and that abortion policy should be decided by individual states. National analysts identified 13 states with ‘trigger laws’ that would immediately ban most abortions if the federal standard is overturned.” [Montana Free Press, 5/4/22]
Gianforte Signed Onto An Amicus Brief To The U.s. Supreme Court In A Lawsuit In Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. According to the Montana State News Bureau, “Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte was among 12 Republican governors on Thursday signing onto an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in a lawsuit over a Mississippi law restricting abortion, the outcome of which could have implications for similar measures across the country. The case before the high court is over a 2018 Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks gestation with exceptions for medical emergencies or severe fetal abnormality. The law was blocked after a federal court challenge by the state’s sole abortion clinic, with the decision upheld by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.” [Montana State News Bureau, 7/29/21]
Gianforte “Signed A Friend Of The Court Document In Support” Of A Louisiana Abortion Law, And “Advocated That The Court Also Reconsider Roe V. Wade While It Decides The Case.” According to Montana Free Press, “At least some congressional leaders hope to see Roe overturned when the court rules on June Medical Services, LLC v. Russo. In early 2020, 207 members of Congress — almost all Republicans, including Sen. Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte — signed a ‘friend of the court’ document in support of the Louisiana law and advocated that the court also reconsider Roe v. Wade while it decides the case.” [Montana Free Press, 5/29/20]
Gianforte Urged The Montana Supreme Court To Accept New Briefings From The Public As It Weighed Challenges To Pro-life Laws Following Dobbs. According to a press release from Governor Gianforte’s office, “In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, Governor Greg Gianforte today urged the Montana Supreme Court to accept new briefings from the public as the court weighs challenges to pro-life laws. The Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, returning the authority to regulate abortion to the people of each state and their elected representatives. In its 1999 Armstrong v. State decision, the Montana Supreme Court relied on Roe in recognizing a right to abortion in Montana. In his motion Gov. Gianforte wrote, ‘[B]ecause of Dobbs, the Court must necessarily revisit its decision in Armstrong. As part of that review, the Court will need to re-assess, without Roe, the limits of its authority to interpret a constitutional right to include that which was expressly intended and believed to be excluded from the Bill of Rights, and instead reserved to the Legislature.’” [Press Release – Office of the Governor, 8/2/22]
Gianforte Signed House Bill 140, Which Required Providers To Offer Patients And Ultrasound Before The Performance Of An Abortion. According to the Montana Free Press Capitol Tracker, “HB 140: Requiring the provision of information before the performance of an abortion BECAME LAW […] 4/26/21 Signed by Governor Governor's Office” [Montana Free Press, viewed, 4/20/23]
The Montana Supreme Court Blocked House Bill 140 From Going Into Effect. According to the Montana Free Press, In a five-justice panel’s unanimous decision, the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a district court decision to block three abortion restriction laws from taking effect while the case proceeds. The high court said the case between Planned Parenthood of Montana and the state of Montana, defended by Attorney General Austin Knudsen, can continue in the Yellowstone County district court where it began. The 33-page opinion was written by Justice Beth Baker and signed by Justices James Shea, Laurie McKinnon, Dirk Sandefur and Jim Rice. The case debates the constitutionality of three laws signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte last April. House Bill 136 prohibits abortions after 20 weeks gestational age. House Bill 140 requires providers to offer patients an ultrasound before an abortion.” [Montana Free Press, 8/9/22]