Bill > SB479

This bill introduces new regulations for chemical abortions in Montana, establishing strict requirements for health care providers when prescribing abortion drugs that impact interstate commerce. The bill defines key terms like "chemical abortion" and "abortion drug" and mandates that providers must physically examine the patient in person, be present during the abortion, schedule a follow-up visit within 7 days, and provide the patient with a catch kit and medical waste bag for proper disposal. Health care providers who violate these provisions could face felony charges, including fines up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment for up to 3 years per violation. The bill also imposes significant environmental responsibilities on abortion drug manufacturers, requiring them to manage the disposal of discarded drugs and mitigate any endocrine-disrupting chemical byproducts that enter public waste systems, with potential fines of up to $20,000 for non-compliance. Importantly, the bill includes exceptions for life-threatening medical conditions and explicitly states that patients cannot be prosecuted under these provisions. The legislation is designed to be codified within Montana's existing health and environmental protection statutes, with a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be enforced.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4349