Montana 2023 Regular Session

Montana House Bill HB570

Introduced
2/15/23  

Caption

Provide civil penalty for interfering with abortion access

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to revise existing laws related to reproductive and endocrine health care access in Montana. By establishing legal repercussions for interfering with individuals seeking health services, it aims to create a supportive environment for those in need of reproductive health care, which can include services related to pregnancy, contraception, and abortion. The legislation could enhance the legal framework protecting patient rights and ensure that their access to essential health services is not hindered.

Summary

House Bill 570 aims to protect access to reproductive and endocrine health care by introducing civil penalties for individuals who interfere with such access. The bill stipulates that no person may intentionally or negligently obstruct an individual's ability to obtain reproductive or endocrine health services. Violators may face a civil cause of action for damages, including compensatory damages and attorney fees, along with a potential civil fine of up to $500. This action underscores an effort to safeguard health care access amidst ongoing national and state discussions about reproductive rights.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a protective measure, it may lead to significant contentious debates within the legislative assembly and among advocacy groups. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that individuals have uninterrupted access to health care services. However, opponents may voice concerns regarding the broader implications of such a law, particularly in relation to existing state laws on reproductive rights and the possibility of misinterpretation leading to a chilling effect on health care providers and activists. The political climate surrounding reproductive health continues to be a highly polarized issue, and HB 570 may become a flashpoint for broader debates on health care rights and personal freedoms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT HB26

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; and imposing penalties.

MT SB837

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

MT HB2304

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

MT HB670

In abortion, providing for access to reproductive health services facilities; in particular rights and immunities, providing for action for blocking access to reproductive health services facility; and imposing penalties.

MT SB1152

Civil procedure: other; use of civil processes against a person that provides reproductive health services; limit, and create a cause of action for the right to obtain reproductive health services. Amends sec. 2203 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2203) & adds secs. 1459, 2170, 2203a & 2980.

MT HB2555

Relating to the regulation of abortion procedures; providing penalties.

MT S2420

Provides equal Medicare for infants born-alive as a result of abortion procedure/natural delivery with violations subject to criminal penalties for medical personnel/loss of license/civil action for damages.

MT S0277

Provides equal Medicare for infants born-alive as a result of abortion procedure/natural delivery with violations subject to criminal penalties for medical personnel/loss of license/civil action for damages.

MT HB2

Relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers, and facilities; providing penalties.

MT SB5

Relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers, and facilities; providing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.