May 23, 2023

Montana Gov Signs Bill Outlawing Dismemberment Abortions

On May 16, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed another set of pro-life bills designed to regulate abortion businesses and ensure that Medicaid funds are not used to cover elective abortions. One of these bills outlawed dismemberment abortion, and another prohibits abortion at 24 weeks gestation. Both of these laws were blocked by Judge Mike Menahan after Planned Parenthood challenged them.

Abortionists opt for dismemberment abortions (otherwise known as dilation and evacuation abortions) during the second trimester or later. At these stages, the child has developed too much for the abortion pill or vacuum aspiration methods to be effective.

Dismemberment abortions involve an abortionist reaching into a mother's womb through her dilated cervix with metal forceps. The abortionist uses these forceps to tear the arms and legs from the unborn child's body and crush the child's skull.


“Dismemberment abortion for nontherapeutic or elective reasons is a barbaric practice, dangerous for the mother, and demeaning to the medical profession,” Gov. Gianforte said during a bill signing ceremony. “House Bill 721 makes clear that it has no place in Montana.”

The 24-week ban would have required abortion businesses to perform ultrasounds on any women who seek abortions to confirm that the child is not viable. The abortion business would need to keep written documentation confirming the child isn't viable.