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Montana Abortion Laws


Explanation of Chart and More Information on Abortion Laws

Code Section 50-20-101 to 112; 50-20-401; 50-20-201 et seq.
Statutory Definition of Illegal AbortionUse or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or other substance or device to intentionally terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant, with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health of the child, or to remove a dead fetus. Partial Birth Abortion: Unlawful except to save the life of mother when endangered by physical disorder, illness, or injury when no other medical procedure would save the woman's life
Statutory Definition of Legal AbortionAfter viability, if necessary according to M.D. to preserve life or health of mother; procedure utilized must not negligently or intentionally endanger life of fetus unless to preserve mother's life
Penalty for Unlawful AbortionViolation of infant protection; violation of abortion practices by M.D.: felony, fine to $1,000 and/or imprisonment to 5 years; violation of consent provisions or of inducing woman to have abortion: misdemeanor, fine to $500 and/or imprisonment to 6 months; no penalties may be placed on the mother; illegal partial birth abortion: felony with fine up to $50,000 and/or 5-10 yrs. in prison and permanent revocation of physician's license
Consent RequirementsInformed consent of mother 24 hours prior to procedure, signed by mother and her M.D. except when M.D. certifies necessary to preserve mother's life; or if delay will create serious risk of substantial irreversible impairment of major bodily function if under yrs. and unmarried, written notice of a parent/guardian except where medical emergency exists or where notice is judicially waived
Residency Requirements for Patients-
Physician Licensing RequirementsLicensed M.D., after first 3 months in licensed hospital; after viability, M.D. must certify in writing necessity of procedure including grounds for decision plus two other M.D.s must confirm decision except when necessary to preserve mother's life

Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

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