This Pressing Issue Has Taken a HUGE Turn!

Posted On 19 Feb 2023

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(RestoreAmericanGlory.com) – Democratic state Representative Ed Stafman introduced new legislation, HB 471, which would allow a religious exemption to the abortion access prohibitions in Montana.

Stafman has noted that the Montana Constitution provides explicit protection for freedom of religion for all Montanans. He added that this is one of the strong values in the state both in terms of law and practice and that religious diversity and different religious beliefs provide different moments for the start of life, bodily autonomy, and the times when abortions are allowed.

His proposition is an amendment to the existing bill, which would provide religious exemptions for healthcare workers for performing abortions. The statute further notes that if the abortion being performed violates their religious belief they are allowed to not participate.

Stafman, who is a rabbi, told Newsweek that abortions within the existing statutes are a “deeply religious theological question” regarding the start of life and the interests of the fetus vs. the mother.

The amendment would provide healthcare providers the right to provide women with abortions during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, so long as it is in accordance with their religious tenets and beliefs. He notes that this bill will help protect the religious rights of pregnant women, regardless of the restrictions within the law.

Montana’s constitution protects the right to abortion before 20 weeks and prohibits them after that time or when the fetus is viable.

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many lawmakers and states have sought to establish abortion bans.