¶ Rosendale Was Fervently Anti-Choice
¶ Rosendale Stated That He Was Opposed To Abortion Without Exceptions
¶ Rosendale Said He Opposed Abortion Without Exception
Rosendale: “I’m Unashamed To Be Pro-Life In All Circumstances, No Exceptions.” According to Matt Rosendale’s 2018 Senate campaign website, “Protect the Sanctity of Life – No Exceptions: I’m unashamed to be pro-life in all circumstances, no exceptions.” [mattformontana.com, Viewed 1/8/18]
Rosendale Said He Opposed Abortion Without Exception. According to MTN News, “On other issues, Rosendale said […] He opposes abortion, without exception: ‘I support life from conception until natural death.’” [MTN News, 7/31/17]
2012: Rosendale Said There Should Not Be Exceptions For Abortion In Cases Of Rape Or Incest. Matt Rosendale completed VoteSmart’s 2012 Political Courage Test Questionnaire. Asked “Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?” Rosendale replied “No.” [VoteSmart, Viewed 1/24/18]
¶ Rosendale: “I Do Not Believe That You Should Provide For Any Exceptions”
Rosendale: “I Am Absolutely 100 Percent Pro-Life. I Do Not Believe In Abortion. I Do Not Believe That You Should Provide For Any Exceptions.” During a Facebook live stream event, Rosendale was asked about abortion and planned parenthood. Rosendale replied: “For me this is a very east thing – I am absolutely 100 percent pro-life. I do not believe in abortion. I do not believe that you should provide for any exceptions. I do not feel that you can rectify one tragedy by forming another tragedy. So I believe in the protection of life.” [Matt Rosendale via Facebook, 12/6/17]
¶ 2014: Rosendale Described Himself As Pro-Life Opposed abortion
2014: During GOP Primary Debate, Rosendale “Claimed He Was The Lone Candidate Who Truly Respected The Sanctity Of Life Becomes He Was Both Pro-Life And Anti-Death Penalty.” According to the Sidney Herald, “Last week, the first debate featuring the four Republican candidates for Montana's U.S. House seat took place in Helena. […] Sen. Matt Rosendale, meanwhile, claimed he was the lone candidate who truly respected the sanctity of life becomes he was both pro-life and anti-death penalty.” [Sidney Herald, 4/1/14]
2013: Rosendale Participated In Prayer Service At State Capital For To Celebrate Sanctity Of Life; Attendees Made Statements And Joined In Prayer To End Abortion. According to an op-ed by Matt Rosendale in the Sidney Herald, “I began last week at a prayer service on the steps of the capital to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court. It was a celebration of the sanctity of life. The event was well attended, and there were many legislators and community members making statements and joining in prayer to end abortion.” [Matt Rosendale Op-Ed - Sidney Herald, 1/29/13]
¶ 2012: Rosendale Opposed Exceptions For Abortion When The Life Of The Woman Is Endangered
2012: Rosendale Opposed Exceptions For Abortion When The Life Of The Woman Is Endangered. Matt Rosendale completed VoteSmart’s 2012 Political Courage Test Questionnaire. Asked “Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?” Rosendale replied “No.” [VoteSmart, Viewed 1/24/18]
2012: Rosendale Said Abortions Should Be Illegal After First Trimester. Matt Rosendale completed VoteSmart’s 2012 Political Courage Test Questionnaire. Asked “Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy?” Rosendale said “Yes.” [VoteSmart, Viewed 1/24/18]
¶ Letter To The Editor Criticized Rosendale For “Criminalizing A Woman's Right To An Abortion Even In Cases Of Rape Or Incest”
2013 Letter to the Editor Criticized Rosendale For Supporting “Criminalizing A Woman's Right To An Abortion Even In Cases Of Rape Or Incest.” According to a letter to the editor published by the Great Falls Tribune, “Rosendale is someone who supports criminalizing a woman's right to an abortion even in cases of rape or incest, an interpretation of his religion that has been around for years. He's somebody who wanted Montana to be able to secede from the union, a thought which goes back to at least the Civil War.” [Letter to the Editor - Great Falls Tribune, 10/30/13]
¶ Rosendale Was A Staunch Pro-Life Advocate
¶ Rosendale Described Himself As A “Firm Believer In The Sanctity Of Life”
Rosendale Touted His Pro-Life Stance. Matt Rosendale tweeted, “I unequivocally stand for the sanctity of life, and I'm hopeful that this decision will reflect the decades of work that the pro-life movement has put towards reforming the judiciary” [Twitter, RepRosendale, 12/10/21]
¶ Rosendale Applauded Trump For Defending “The Unborn”
Rosendale Applauded Trump For Defending “The Unborn.” Matt Rosendale tweeted, “We are so blessed that President Trump fought to deliver the American people a Supreme Court that’s finally willing to defend the unborn #ProLife” [Twitter, @RepRosendale, 12/10/21]
¶ Rosendale Was A Part Of The March For Life
Rosendale Was A Part Of The March For Life. Matt Rosendale tweeted, “Jean and I were honored to be a part of the @March_for_Life in Washington, D.C. today. The pro-life movement is stronger than ever, we will continue to march until the moral stain of abortion is eradicated and the inherent dignity of every human life is protected. #WhyWeMarch” [Twitter, @RepRosendale, 1/21/22]
¶ Rosendale Scored An A Rating From Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
Rosendale Was Applauded For Standing Up Against Pro-Abortion Legislation Under The Biden Administration. According to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, “Congressman Rosendale has stood up against the pro-abortion agenda of the Biden-Harris administration and Pelosi Democrats who are actively working to expand abortion access and abortion funding. Rep. Rosendale has voted consistently to defend the lives of the unborn and infants. This includes stopping hard-earned tax dollars from paying for abortion, whether domestically or internationally, and protecting health care provider rights for those who refuse to engage in brutal abortions. Congressman Rosendale led a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough, calling on him to recognize current prohibitions for abortion funding through the VA. He also participated in a pro-life special order on the House floor for the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.” [Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, accessed 5/25/23]
¶ Roe
¶ Rosendale Celebrated The Overturn Of Roe V. Wade
¶ Rosendale Applauded The Supreme Court Decision Banning All Abortions After 15 Weeks’ Gestation And The Overturn Of Roe V. Wade
Rosendale Applauded The Supreme Court Decision Banning All Abortions After 15 Weeks’ Gestation And The Overturn Of Roe V. Wade. According to a press release from Representative Matt Rosendale, “‘Today's ruling is a historic victory in protecting and defending the sanctity of life,’ Representative Rosendale said. ‘I have always been a staunch advocate for the lives of the unborn, and today the United States Supreme Court has finally redressed a grievous wrong. Now state legislatures, elected by their constituents, will be able to pass meaningful laws that protect life. Our fight, however, does not end today. Certain states in the union will continue adopting radical abortion measures. Because of that, we must stand united to be a voice and advocate for all lives and do so until every unborn life in the United States is protected.’” [Press Release - Representative Matt Rosendale, 6/24/22]
¶ Rosendale Called Dobbs V. Jackson “The Most Significant Decision That Our Supreme Court Is Going To Make In My Lifetime”
Rosendale Called Dobbs V. Jackson “The Most Significant Decision That Our Supreme Court Is Going To Make In My Lifetime.” Rosendale tweeted, “Proud to stand with the Pro-Life movement. Dobbs V Jackson is the most significant decision that our Supreme Court is going to make in my lifetime to protect unborn lives. We must bring an end to this terrible stain on our country.” [Twitter, @RepRosendale, 12/1/21]
¶ Rosendale Said He Was “Horrified” By “Irony” That “Endangered Species Act And Roe Vs Wade Both Passed In 1973”
2014: Rosendale Said He Was “Horrified” By “Irony” That “Endangered Species Act And Roe Vs Wade Both Passed In 1973.” Rosendale Tweeted: “The Endangered Species Act and Roe vs Wade both passed in 1973. Am I the only person horrified by this irony? #chooselife #godhelpus.” [Matt Rosendale via Twitter, 1/22/14]
¶ Abortion Medication
¶ Rosendale Praised Walgreen For Deciding Against Distribution Abortion Medication Through The Mail, Stating That It Was Consistent With Both Montana And Federal Law
[VIDEO] Rosendale Praised Walgreen For Deciding Against Distribution Abortion Medication Through The Mail, Stating That It Was Consistent With Both Montana And Federal Law. “ANCHOR: We also have a statement excuse me, from that Representative Matt Rosendale. He said, ‘I applaud Walgreens for its decision against distributing abortion pills through the mail. This decision is consistent with both Montana and federal law while protecting the health of unborn children and their mothers.” [KXGN, 3/16/23] 230316_SAG_4006_A
¶ Rosendale Was One Of 147 Republican Lawmakers That Filed An Amicus Brief Urging The Supreme Court To Allow A Court Ruling That Reinstated Mifepristone’s Restrictions To Take Effect
Nearly 150 Republican Lawmakers On Tuesday Filed An Amicus Brief Urging The Supreme Court To Allow Lower Court Rulings Imposing Restrictions On A Widely Used Abortion Pill To Take Effect. According to Axios, “Nearly 150 Republican lawmakers on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court to allow lower court rulings imposing restrictions on a widely used abortion pill to take effect. Why it matters: Lawmakers who signed on to the brief that was filed to the court include some within Republican leadership, such as Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.).” [Axios, 4/19/23]
The 147 Lawmakers, Led By Sen. Cindy Hyde-smith (R-miss.) And Rep. August Pfluger (R-texas), Filed An Amicus Brief Asking The Supreme Court To Allow The 5Th Circuit Court Of Appeals’ Ruling Reinstating Mifepristone’s Restrictions To Take Effect. According to Axios, “The 147 lawmakers, led by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to allow the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling reinstating mifepristone’s restrictions to take effect. ‘[T]he FDA’s actions have contravened’ federal law, the lawmakers argue, adding that the agency exceeded ‘the scope of its authorized power from Congress’ when it approved mifepristone. They also take aim at the FDA’s reduction of the drug’s restrictions, such as allowing for the use of telemedicine to provide the pill.” [Axios, 4/19/23]
¶ Rosendale, A Signer Of The Amicus Brief, Was Considering A Senate Bid Against A Democratic Incumbent
Rosendale, A Signer Of The Amicus Brief, Was Considering A Senate Bid Against A Democratic Incumbent. According to Axios, “The handful of signers facing competitive elections in 2024 should expect it to come up in attacks on the campaign trail, two Democratic operatives told Axios. Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) are top targets for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — which blasted Boebert last week for signing the 5th Circuit brief. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) are also seen as potentially vulnerable. Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) is also running to challenge Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), while Reps. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) are considering Senate bids against Democratic incumbents.” [Axios, 4/19/23]
¶ Rosendale Was Opposed To Abortion Medication Sent Via Mail
Rosendale Expressed Outrage At The Food And Drug Administration Allowing For The Abortion Pill To Be Sent Via Mail. Rosendale tweeted, “With this rule change, the Biden Administration is turning every mailbox in America into a potential abortion clinic. We must protect life, not make it easier to kill an unborn child.” [Twitter, @RepRosendale, 12/22/21]
¶ “Born Alive” Legislation
¶ Rosendale Expressed Support For “Born Alive” Legislation, Despite Intentionally Killing An Infant Born Alive Already Being Considered Homicide
Rosendale Expressed His Support For Legislation Republicans Claimed Would “Ensure Babies Born Alive After An Abortion Attempt Are Provided With Medical Care & Basic Human Dignity.” Rosendale tweeted, “Today, the House voted to ensure that babies born alive after an abortion attempt are provided with medical care & basic human dignity. It is heartbreaking that 210 Democrats voted to allow babies to die when they could be given a chance at life instead.” [Twitter, @RepRosendale, 1/11/23]
It Was Already Considered Homicide In The Us To Intentionally Kill An Infant That Is Born Alive. According to CNN, “It is already considered homicide in the US to intentionally kill an infant that is born alive.” [CNN, 1/11/23]
¶ Constitutional Amendment
¶ As A State Lawmaker, Rosendale Voted Twice For State Constitutional Amendment To State That There Is No Right To An Abortion
2013: Rosendale Voted For Legislation Allowing A Referendum Amending The State Constitution Stating That There Is No Right To An Abortion. In April 2013, Rosendale voted for legislation that, according to the bill’s text, “New Section. Section 1. Article XIII of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 8 that reads: Section 8. Abortion. Nothing in this constitution grants or secures a right to abortion or the public funding of abortion. […] New Section. Section 4. Submission to electorate. [This act] shall be submitted to the qualified electors of Montana at the general election to be held in November 2014 by printing on the ballot the full title of [this act] and the following: [] Yes on Constitutional Amendment No. _____ [] No on Constitutional Amendment No. _____” The vote was on passage, which required a 2/3 majority to pass. The Montana Senate voted against the legislation by a vote of 30 to 20. [Senate Vote 1722, 4/17/13; Montana Legislature, H.B. 619; 63rd Legislature, H.B. 619; Bill Actions, H.B. 619]
2011: Rosendale Voted For Montana Constitutional Amendment Baring Public Funding Of Abortion And Stating That That Abortion Is Not A Right. In February 2011, Rosendale voted for an amendment to the Montana Constitution that would, according to the text of the legislation, was “an act submitting to the qualified electors of Montana an amendment to Article II of the Montana constitution to provide clarify that the Montana constitution does not grant or secure a right to abortion and that the Montana constitution prohibits or the public funding of abortion.” The vote was on the third reading. The House agreed the motion, effectively passing the bill, by a vote of 66 to 31. The bill later failed in the state Senate.[House Vote 1100, 3/22/11; 62nd Legislature, H.B. 574; Bill Actions, H.B. 574]
¶ Dilation And Evacuation
¶ Rosendale Praised The Success Of A Montana Law That Banned Dilation And Evacuation Abortions After 15 Weeks
¶ A Judge In Lewis & Clark County Denied A Temporary Restraining Order Requested By Planned Parenthood Of Montana On House Bill 721 Which Sought To Ban Dilation And Evacuation Procedures And Would Punish Abortion Providers That Provide Abortions After 15 Weeks
A Judge In Lewis & Clark County Denied A Temporary Restraining Order Requested By Planned Parenthood Of Montana On House Bill 721 Which Sought To Ban Dilation And Evacuation Procedures And Would Punish Abortion Providers That Provide Abortions After 15 Weeks. According to NBC KULR 8, “A judge in Lewis & Clark County denied a temporary restraining order requested by Planned Parenthood of Montana on House Bill 721. HB 721 bans dilation and evacuation procedures and would punish abortion providers that provide abortions after 15 weeks by issuing them up to $10,000 fines or 10 years in prison. Planned Parenthood’s request was for the court to intervene before a piece of legislation is signed by the governor. On the ruling – the judge wrote because the bill has not* been signed into law yet – there’s no law to enjoin, calling it a premature request. “ [NBC KULR 8, 4/12/23]
In Response, Rosendale Stated That “Since The Supreme Court Decision On Dobbs V. Jackson, The Individual States Have Rightfully Been Empowered To Set Guidelines For Abortions. I Am Confident That The Montana Legislature And Governor Gianforte Will Take Appropriate Steps To Protect The Sanctity Of Life.” According to NBC KULR 8, “Representative Matt Rosendale said via email: ‘Since the Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson, the individual states have rightfully been empowered to set guidelines for abortions. I am confident that the Montana Legislature and Governor Gianforte will take appropriate steps to protect the sanctity of life.’” [NBC KULR 8, 4/12/23]
¶ Emergency Contraception
¶ Rosendale Did Not Know The Difference Between Abortion Pills And Emergency Contraception
Rosendale Did Not Know The Difference Between Abortion Pills And Emergency Contraception. According to Jezebel, “Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) doesn’t know the difference between abortion pills and emergency contraception. But even though he doesn’t know exactly what abortion is, Rosendale, who is in his second term, considers it his job to stop ‘taxpayer dollars’ from being used for it.” [Jezebel, 3/21/23]
Rosendale Said That He’s, Predictably, Happy That Walgreens Decided It Would Not Distribute Pills In States Where They Are Illegal. According to Jezebel, “He made the comment during an appearance on the 24/7 Catholic news channel Eternal Word Television Network’s EWTN Pro-Life Weekly (a MadLibs of rightwing nonsense words) last week, when he was also asked about Walgreens’ abortion pill saga. After the pharmacy said it would carry abortion pills, 20 Republican state attorneys general sent a threatening letter; the company issued a mealy-mouthed backtracking; California canceled a multi-million dollar contract with Walgreens; and then it finally confirmed that it would not distribute the pills in states where they’re illegal. Rosendale said that he’s, predictably, happy with the outcome.” [Jezebel, 3/21/23]
Rosendale Falsely Claimed That Plan B Was An Abortion Drug, When It Is Actually Emergency Contraception. According to Jezebel, “HOST: I want to start by talking about the issue of chemical abortion. Now, Walgreens, after being put on notice by 20 state attorneys general, has decided to roll back the distribution of abortion pills through the mail and in pharmacies, including in Montana. What’s your reaction to this? ROSENDALE: I’m really glad that they have, there is a lot of risk that’s involved with Plan B abortifacients. And not everyone recognizes the danger that it poses to the health of the woman that is taking these things and the reactions that might take place thereafter. And if she’s at home by herself with no one there to supervise what is even going on.” [Jezebel, 3/21/23]
Jezebel Clarified That Plan B Was Not An Abortifacient But A Drug Designed To Prevent Pregnancy. According to Jezebel, “Now, first off, the discerning Jezebel reader knows this, but it must be stated for the record: Plan B is not an abortifacient. The two abortion drugs currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are mifepristone (the drug at the center of pending lawsuit in Texas) and misoprostol, a drug that can be used alone to induce an abortion. Plan B is the brand name for levonorgestrel, which is designed to prevent pregnancy by delaying (or stopping) the egg from leaving the ovary, according to the FDA’s handy timeline of the drug.” [Jezebel, 3/21/23]
¶ Parental Notification
¶ Rosendale Supported Requiring Parental Notification For Minors Getting Abortions, Even In Cases Of Rape Or Incest
2012: Rosendale Favored Requiring Parental Notification For Minors Getting Abortions. Matt Rosendale completed VoteSmart’s 2012 Political Courage Test Questionnaire. Asked “Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?” Rosendale replied “Yes.” [VoteSmart, Viewed 1/24/18]
¶ Rosendale Voted Twice For State Bills Requiring Parental Notification
2013: Rosendale Voted For Legislation Requiring Women Under 18 Receive Parental Consent In Order To Receive An Abortion With No Exceptions For Rape Or Incest. In April 2013, Rosendale voted for a bill that, according to NARAL Montana, “requires a parent to consent to an abortion for a girl under 18 - with no exceptions for rape or incest. The girl must obtain notarized consent. If enacted, this dangerous and unnecessary proposal will prevent young women in abusive or dysfunctional households from obtaining an abortion.” The vote was on was the third reading, effectively on passage. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 30 to 20. The bill became law without being signed by the Governor. [Senate Vote 1468, 4/10/13; NARAL Montana, 2013; Bill Actions, H.B. 391]
2011: Rosendale Voted For Legislation Requiring That A Physician Notify A Minor’s Parents 48 Hours Prior To An Abortion. In February 2011, Rosendale voted for legislation that, according to Center for Reproductive Rights, “except in extremely limited circumstances, 48 hours before a minor under sixteen is permitted to obtain an abortion, a physician would personally have to notify one of her parents. The minor could only avoid involving her parents in her decision by going to court and seeking judicial waiver of the notification requirement.” The vote was on the third reading. The House agreed the motion, effectively passing the bill, by a vote of 65 to 32. The bill was passed by the Senate, but then successfully vetoed by Governor Schweitzer. [House Vote 2067, 4/20/11; Center for Reproductive Rights, 4/26/11; Bill Actions, S.B. 97]
¶ Ultrasounds
¶ Rosendale Voted To Require Women Get An Ultrasound Prior To Getting Abortion
2011: Rosendale Voted For Legislation Requiring Women To Receive An Ultrasound Prior To Getting An Abortion. In February 2011, Rosendale voted for legislation that would, according to the Associated Press via the Billings Gazette, “require an ultrasound for women seeking an abortion. […] The proposal would have made it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion without first providing an ultrasound. It included a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail for violators.” The vote was on the second reading. The House rejected the motion, effectively defeating the bill, by a vote of 47 to 53. [House Vote 399, 2/11/11; AP via Billings Gazette, 2/11/11; Bill Actions, H.B. 280]
¶ Rosendale Attended A Fundraiser For Montana Crisis Pregnancy Center Which Used Deceptive Tactics To Coerce Women To Get Ultrasounds In Efforts To Prevent Them From Getting An Abortion
2014: Rosendale Attended Annual Fundraiser For Sunrise Women’s Clinic In Sidney Which “Helps Hundreds Of Women Each Year With Unexpected Pregnancies.” Rosendale posted a photo of himself at a fundraiser for the Sunrise Women's Clinic in Sidney commenting: “Celebrating Life! The Sunrise Women's Clinic in Sidney helps hundreds of women each year with unexpected pregnancies. Jean and I attended their annual fundraiser.” [Matt Rosendale via Facebook, 9/9/14]
- Report From NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Identified Sunrise Pregnancy Center As One Of Many Montana Crisis Pregnancy Centers Engaged In “Deceptive” Tactics To Coerce Women Against Having An Abortion. According to NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation’s report on Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Montana, “The website of Sunrise Pregnancy Center in Sidney, Montana, urges women to get an ultrasound to see if they may naturally miscarry; thus they would not need an abortion. This encourages women who may be leaning toward abortion as their option to come into the clinic where other deceptive CPC tactics can be used to coerce them. These tactics imply that women who may be pregnant have time to wait to find out for sure. This is problematic because the longer a woman waits to determine if she truly is pregnant, the more difficult it may be to access abortion services. Not only that, but the health of the mother and fetus may be compromised as well.” [NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation, 2013]
- Sunrise “Urges Women To Get An Ultrasound To See If They May Naturally Miscarry,” Thus Encouraging Women Considering Abortions To “Come Into The Clinic Where Other Deceptive CPC Tactics Can Be Used To Coerce Them.” According to NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation’s report on Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Montana, “The website of Sunrise Pregnancy Center in Sidney, Montana, urges women to get an ultrasound to see if they may naturally miscarry; thus they would not need an abortion. This encourages women who may be leaning toward abortion as their option to come into the clinic where other deceptive CPC tactics can be used to coerce them. These tactics imply that women who may be pregnant have time to wait to find out for sure. This is problematic because the longer a woman waits to determine if she truly is pregnant, the more difficult it may be to access abortion services. Not only that, but the health of the mother and fetus may be compromised as well.” [NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation, 2013]