This week, several pro-life groups, led by SBA Pro-Life America and the Lozier Institute, have submitted an amicus brief to support Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s legal efforts. These efforts are aimed at reinstating parental consent requirements for minors seeking abortions in Montana. The initiative comes after the Montana Supreme Court, acting on behalf of Planned Parenthood, invalidated the state's parental involvement laws in August 2024.

The legal battle over parental rights in Montana is rooted in a 2012 referendum where over 70% of voters approved parental notification for minors’ abortions. A year later, House Bill 391, which mandated parental consent, was allowed to take effect by then-Governor Steve Bullock. Planned Parenthood immediately challenged the legislation. Attorney General Knudsen is now at the forefront, aiming to restore these parental rights after more than a decade.

A partial excerpt from the amicus brief includes insights into the legal arguments being presented.

Katie Daniel, Legal Affairs Director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, commented on the situation:

"Montana is not the only state where Planned Parenthood has used its institutional resources to fight against, and in some cases get rid of, parental involvement protections."

The brief also references similar legal disputes in Alaska and Indiana. Parental rights continue to be a significant issue in related ballot measures.

In parallel, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, along with over 150 pro-life organizations spanning all 50 states, is lobbying Congress to withdraw federal funding from Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers through budget reconciliation. Recently, over 350 citizen lobbyists visited Capitol Hill to confer with numerous senators and representatives.

Planned Parenthood reportedly receives $700 million in taxpayer dollars annually and performs close to 400,000 abortions each year.

SBA Pro-Life America, a network exceeding one million members nationwide, is committed to ending abortion by supporting pro-life leaders and advocating for legislation aimed at saving lives, with a particular interest in promoting pro-life women leaders.