Montana Bill Criminalizes Abortions, Doctors at 24 Weeks

A bill to restrict abortions and criminalize the physicians who perform them gained significant momentum in in the Montana Legislature on Tuesday.  KTVQ.com reports that the measure will soon be on its way to Governor Steve Bullock’s desk.  State Senate Bill 282 defines “viability of a fetus” at 24 weeks, and criminalizes abortions after that point, even in the event of a medical emergency involving the mother or child.
A woman would be required to undergo a Caesarean-section or induced labor if the fetus has a 50 percent chance of surviving outside the womb.  A doctor who performs an abortion after that point could face murder charges.  The bill passed its third reading in the House Tuesday with a 32 to 18 vote, and was sent to enrolling as a final copy before it is delivered to the Governor.