Planned Parenthood of Montana Seeks Emergency Relief Against HB 575

HELENA, MT –  Today, Planned Parenthood of Montana (PPMT) and its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Samuel Dickman, sought emergency relief in Montana state court against HB 575, a new law that requires all patients in Montana to undergo an ultrasound before getting an abortion. The lawsuit argues that this provision violates Montanans’ rights to privacy and to pre-viability abortions under the state constitution by effectively banning direct-to-patient telehealth for medication abortions, a method of providing abortion care that has been consistently proven to be both safe and effective.  

HB 575 took effect immediately upon Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature today and represents an unwarranted intrusion into the patient-provider relationship. PPMT is seeking a temporary restraining order blocking the law.

Statement from Martha Fuller, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Montana:

“Instead of trusting us to make our own decisions about our bodies and lives, Montana lawmakers are once again forcing their way into our exam rooms and blocking our access to essential health care. By adding unnecessary and burdensome red tape to a safe and legal medical procedure, these politicians have made clear that it was never about our health and safety. It was always about undermining our personal freedom and shaming people who seek abortions. Enough is enough: Montanans deserve better, and Planned Parenthood of Montana will continue fighting these cruel laws with every tool at our disposal.” 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Yet again, Montana legislators have passed a law that disproportionately harms those who already struggle the most to access vital health care in violation of Montanans’ constitutional rights. Harmful state-mandates like these delay abortion care and make patients less safe by putting their personal medical decisions in the hands of anti-abortion politicians. It cannot be allowed to stand. In Montana and across the country, Planned Parenthood will not shy away from challenging laws that undermine patients’ rights and will continue fighting until everyone can get the care they need and deserve, free from unnecessary hurdles — no matter what.” 

Today’s challenge was filed as an amendment to an existing lawsuit against HB 721, another bill that has been passed by the Legislature and will ban D&E procedures  — the safest and most common method of abortion after approximately 15 weeks of pregnancy — once it is signed by the Governor. Planned Parenthood of Montana is represented by attorneys at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, WilmerHale, and the Graybill Law Firm.

Earlier this week in a separate case, Planned Parenthood of Montana, along with All Families Healthcare and Blue Mountain Clinic, was issued a temporary restraining order blocking a rule from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services that would have effectively eliminated abortion access for most Medicaid patients in Montana. A hearing on the abortion providers’ request for a preliminary injunction in that case is scheduled for May 12. 

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Planned Parenthood of Montana (PPMT) is a leading statewide organization that provides the full range of reproductive health care services, including birth control and abortion, life-saving cancer screenings, STI and HIV prevention, trans health care, testing and treatment for STIs, breast health services, Pap tests, sexual health education, and mental health counseling. PPMT’s mission is to lead by providing, promoting, and protecting sexual and reproductive health care and education for all Montanans.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.