Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

Montana’s Catholic bishops have issued a public letter urging voters to oppose Constitutional Initiative 128 (CI-128), which will appear on the state’s November ballot. The letter, signed by Bishop Jeffrey M. Fleming and Bishop Emeritus Michael W. Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, and Bishop Austin A. Vetter of the Diocese of Helena, raises concerns about the potential impact of the proposed constitutional amendment on abortion regulations in Montana.

The bishops argue that CI-128 would eliminate existing abortion restrictions and parental notification requirements for minors seeking abortions. They assert that these changes could increase risks for underage pregnant mothers and undermine family involvement.

In their statement, the bishops wrote: “On May 3rd of this year, we issued a pastoral call to reject Constitutional Initiative 128 (CI-128) and prevent it from appearing on the November ballot in Montana. Sadly, after large amounts of out-of-state funding, Planned Parenthood and its associates have succeeded. This grave threat to unborn children, mothers, and families will be on the ballot.As followers of Jesusand faith-filled citizens of Montana, we are compelled to speak boldly in defense of the infinite dignity of every human life.”

They further stated: “We implore voters to scrutinize the full text of CI-128. Through the careful use of undefined terms, it nullifies Montana’s current abortion regulations and safeguards while creating some of the most radical constitutional provisions for abortion in our Nation.”

According to the bishops’ letter: “The ballot language, or voter’s summary of CI-128, is grossly insufficient and misleading. Furthermore, the full text of the initiative, which voters will not see at the ballot box, clearly raises grave moral and ethical concerns. The full text of CI-128 will place expectant mothers at risk and enshrine extreme abortion procedures in our Montana Constitution.”

The message also highlights that section one of CI-128 would establish abortion as a right protected from government interference if it affects a mother’s autonomous decision-making. The bishops warn this could invalidate limits on late-term abortions or requirements for parental notification.

The letter concludes with an appeal: “We believe that Montana’s children have a fundamental right to life and to grow up safely in our State. We ask all Catholics to continue to pray, abstain from meat on Wednesdays, and share the disturbing truth about CI-128 with the people that God has placed in our lives. Again, we implore all people of good will to read the full text of CI-128 in your voter guide, search and form your conscience, stand with our children against CI-128, and voteNOon your ballot.”