In Montana, the law safeguards the right of individuals to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including abortion. However, there are a few restrictions and provisions in place that you need to be aware of.
Legal Status of Abortion in Montana
Abortion is legal in Montana.
However, it’s important to note that abortion is allowed only up until the stage of ‘viability’. Viability is the point in pregnancy when a fetus has developed sufficiently to survive outside the womb with medical aid. Typically, this is around 24 to 26 weeks into the pregnancy. The viability can vary for every pregnancy, and a health care provider can determine if a pregnancy has reached viability.
Understanding Montana Abortion Laws
No Waiting Period
Montana does not impose a waiting period for an abortion. In contrast to many other states, Montana does not require you to attend a counseling session or wait for a specific amount of time before having an abortion.
Parental Notification
If you are under 16 years old, a parent or guardian must be informed before you undergo an abortion. However, if it is not possible for you to get parental or guardian consent, you can seek a judicial bypass. A judicial bypass allows you to forgo the requirement for parental involvement. If you’re a minor and need help with the judicial bypass process, the If/When/How Judicial Bypass (JB) Helpline is a valuable resource.
Available Until Viability
Abortion in Montana is permitted until the stage of ‘viability’. However, abortion providers have varying limits on how many weeks into pregnancy they provide services, so it is important to check these limits with each provider.
Exceptions
There are specific exceptions that may allow you to have an abortion in Montana after viability. These exceptions include circumstances where the abortion is necessary to save the life of the pregnant person or to prevent serious risk to the pregnant person’s physical health.
Abortion Providers in Montana
Montana has several abortion providers, both virtual and in-person. These providers offer a range of services including telehealth abortion pill consultations and abortion pill mail delivery. Some of these providers include Abortion on Demand and Planned Parenthood of Montana for virtual services, and several Planned Parenthood locations for in-person services. It’s crucial to check the stage limits and other service details with each provider.
| Provider | Service Limit | Services Offered | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abortion on Demand | Through 10 weeks, 0 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | abortionondemand.org |
| Planned Parenthood of Montana – Meds by Mail | Through 11 weeks, 0 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-montana/abortion-meds-by-mail |
| Planned Parenthood West of Billings | Through 11 weeks, 0 days | In-person services | 1844 Broadwater, Suite 4, Billings, MT (406) 656-9980 |
| Planned Parenthood Great Falls | Through 11 weeks, 0 days | In-person services | 211 9th Street South, Great Falls, MT (406) 454-3431 |
| Planned Parenthood of Helena | Through 21 weeks, 6 days | In-person services | 1500 Cannon St, Helena, MT (406) 443-7676 |
| Blue Mountain Clinic | Through 20 weeks, 6 days | In-person services | 610 North California Street, Missoula, MT (406) 721-1646 |
| Planned Parenthood Missoula | Through 11 weeks, 0 days | In-person services | 219 East Main Street, Missoula, MT (406) 728-5490 |
| All Families Healthcare | Through 12 weeks, 0 days | In-person services | 737 Spokane Avenue, PO Box 4027, Whitefish, MT (406) 730-8682 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is abortion legal in Montana?
Yes, abortion is legal in Montana.
Until when can you get an abortion in Montana?
In Montana, you can get an abortion until the point of ‘viability’, which is typically around 24 to 26 weeks into the pregnancy.
Do you need parental consent to get an abortion in Montana if you are under 16?
Yes, if you are under 16 years old, a parent or guardian must be informed before you undergo an abortion. However, a judicial bypass process exists if obtaining parental or guardian consent is not possible.
Are there any virtual abortion providers in Montana?
Yes, there are virtual abortion providers in Montana, including Abortion on Demand and Planned Parenthood of Montana.