Montana’s Legal Push for Abortion Parental Consent Draws Wide Support for Supreme Court Review

HELENA, MT – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has seen a significant wave of support as his office seeks to overturn a Montana Supreme Court decision through the U.S. Supreme Court concerning parental consent prior to a minor’s abortion. Five amicus briefs have been filed, emphasizing the need to prioritize parents’ rights in the medical decisions of minors, with backers from across states and influential organizations.

The briefs, supporting Knudsen’s appeal in Montana v. Planned Parenthood of Montana, were presented by a diverse coalition of 18 states, another group of 43 organizations, as well as notable entities such as Americans United for Life and Heartbeat International. They collectively dispute the prioritization of a minor’s state privacy rights over the federally recognized rights of parents. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte also contributed a brief underlining the significance of maintaining parental oversight over such critical health decisions. Supporters include 18 states, 43 organizations, Americans United for Life, Heartbeat International, and the Montana Governor Greg Gianforte.

This legal pursuit stems from the 2013 legislation, House Bill 391, which mandated parental consent for minors seeking an abortion—a policy that Planned Parenthood challenged, leading to prolonged legal disputes. Attorney General Knudsen’s initiative rekindles a decade-old legal battle aimed at reinforcing parents’ fundamental rights to guide their children’s health care decisions.

Attorney General Knudsen expressed optimism about the broad support the case has garnered, hoping for a favorable outcome from the highest court. The consolidation of support from various states and organizations underscores the national importance of the issue, with potential implications for parental rights across the country.

“It’s great to receive this amicus support from states and organizations across the country. I hope the U.S. Supreme Court takes up this case and reverses the state Supreme Court’s bad decision,” Attorney General Knudsen said.

The controversy touches on profound national debates about the balance between individual rights and parental authority, particularly in sensitive cases involving minors and profound life decisions. The Supreme Court’s decision could set a significant precedent in how parental rights are weighed against minors’ privacy rights in medical and legal contexts.