Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Faces Re-Election Amid Abortion Rights Debate
Montana Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, known for his strong opposition to abortion rights, will have his name on the ballot this November alongside an abortion rights referendum. Gianforte, who is seeking a second term, will be running against Democratic candidate and former gun sales executive Ryan Busse.
Legislative Actions and Legal Challenges
Since assuming office in 2021, Gianforte has signed several bills aimed at restricting abortion access. These include a bill banning abortion at 20 weeks gestation, a significant reduction from the 28 weeks allowed under Roe v. Wade. Additionally, he signed laws prohibiting telehealth prescriptions for abortion medications and instituting a 24-hour waiting period for abortion seekers.
All these laws, along with a mandate for unnecessary ultrasounds, were later blocked by a state judge. The judge referenced a 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that protected abortion access under the state’s right to privacy clause. Gianforte subsequently requested the Montana Supreme Court to reconsider this ruling.
Response to Roe v. Wade Overturn
In 2022, Gianforte celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. “Today marks a historic win for life, families, and science,” he stated. “With this monumental decision, the Supreme Court has restored power to the American people and their elected representatives. I’m in discussions with legislative leaders on next steps as we work to protect life in Montana.”
A year later, he signed a bill attempting to ban the most common form of abortion after 15 weeks gestation. Planned Parenthood of Montana challenged this law, and a district court judge in Helena blocked it, once again citing the 1999 state Supreme Court decision.
Currently, abortion remains legal in Montana between 24 and 28 weeks gestation.
Gianforte’s Personal Contributions to Anti-Abortion Causes
In his private life, Gianforte has been a significant donor to anti-abortion causes. In 2004, he and his wife founded the Gianforte Family Foundation, which aims “to see individuals and families in Montana flourish, spiritually and economically.”
Between 2008 and 2018, the foundation donated over a million dollars to crisis pregnancy centers in Montana, which are noted for their opposition to abortions. Critics argue that these centers often provide misleading or medically inaccurate information and fraudulently present themselves as healthcare providers to attract patients.
The foundation has also contributed to well-known anti-abortion organizations such as Montana Right to Life, the Montana Family Foundation, and the Charlotte Lozier Institute.
Upcoming Ballot Measure and Election
In November, Montanans will vote on a measure that could explicitly enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution. If this measure fails and Gianforte is re-elected, he may be further empowered to pursue abortion bans without facing judicial intervention.
Ryan Busse, Gianforte’s opponent, lists protecting abortion access as a top priority on his campaign website. “Ryan is an unapologetic defender of the freedom of health care and reproductive choice, and of Montana’s constitutional right to privacy,” the site states. “He believes no politician has any right to make private health care decisions for women, including whether to have an abortion.”
A spokesperson for Gianforte did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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