Mont. Voters Approve Parental Notification Ballot Measure
November 7, 2012 — Montana voters on Tuesday approved a ballot measure (LR 120) that will require parental notification before a minor younger than 16 can obtain an abortion, the AP/Billings Gazette reports. The measure received nearly 70% of the vote, according to the AP/Gazette (AP/Billings Gazette, 11/7).
The initiative permits exceptions for abortions without parental notification in cases of medical emergencies (Cates, Great Falls Tribune, 11/6). Additionally, minors who cannot involve a parent or guardian in their abortion decision could petition a Youth Court for a waiver (Women's Health Policy Report, 10/15).
Physicians convicted of violating the law could face a six-month prison sentence and a $500 fine.
Supporters of the law say that parents should be involved with the decision to get an abortion, while opponents note that all Montanans have a right to make private medical decisions (AP/Billings Gazette, 11/7). Opponents also have said that mandatory notification could put minors who are abused at additional risk (Women's Health Policy Report, 10/10).
The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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The Editors
Debra Ness, publisher & president, National Partnership
Andrea Friedman, associate editor & director of reproductive health programs, National Partnership
Marya Torrez, associate editor & senior reproductive health policy counsel, National Partnership
Melissa Safford, associate editor & policy advocate for reproductive health, National Partnership
Perry Sacks, assistant editor & health program associate, National Partnership
Cindy Romero, assistant editor & communications assistant, National Partnership
Justyn Ware, editor
Amanda Wolfe, editor-in-chief
Heather Drost, Hanna Jaquith, Marcelle Maginnis, Ashley Marchand and Michelle Stuckey, staff writers
Tucker Ball, director of new media, National Partnership
