• A new Montana bill on “abortion trafficking” could criminalize pregnant women who cross state lines to get an abortion. Under House Bill 609, anyone convicted of “abortion trafficking” would face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.
• Supporters say the bill is about protecting the unborn, as well as the rights of parents of pregnant minors.
• Opponents call the bill a fear tactic and say stricter abortion laws lead to less safe outcomes for women.

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Women in Montana could soon be unable to receive abortion care anywhere under a new bill that makes “abortion trafficking” across state lines a felony offense. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Montana legislators heard House Bill 609, which prohibits pregnant people or those assisting them from leaving the state or traveling within the state for the purpose of getting an abortion, which is illegal under Montana law.

Supporters at the Montana House Judiciary Committee hearing, including state Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R, said the scope of the bill is narrow, and that it is about protecting the unborn as well as the rights of parents of pregnant minors.

“Those are the voices that we are not hearing, and those are the voices today that I’m standing up for, and if I’m called an extremist for standing up for Montanans who don’t have a voice, then I will accept that,” Seekins-Crowe said.

What’s the argument against the bill?

More than 20 opponents testified, calling the bill a fear tactic and stating that stricter abortion laws lead to less safe outcomes for women.

“I would love to have kids in Montana, but I am so afraid of getting pregnant in Montana,” Haley McKnight said. “This is a matter of privacy for so many women.”

Penalties for the offense of abortion trafficking would include fines up to $1,000 and up to five years in prison.

If the bill clears the committee, it will then head to the House floor.