Montana AG asks SCOTUS to restore pro-life protections for minors

A number of pro-life groups have filed amicus briefs asking the Supreme Court of the United States to reinstate a Montana law that would require parental consent before a minor can receive an abortion.

The state’s parental consent law law was struck down by the Montana Supreme Court in August 2024, which ruled that minors have a “right” to abortion, with Justice Laurie McKinnon stating that “A minor’s right to control her reproductive decisions is among the most fundamental of the rights she possesses.”

In response, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen filed a petition in January 2025, asking SCOTUS to hear Montana v. Planned Parenthood of Montana. Five amicus briefs have now been filed — by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, pro-life groups, organizations, and a coalition of 18 states — in support of Knudsen’s request.

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Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America spearheaded the filing of one brief, alongside groups like Advancing American Freedom, the Montana Family Foundation, and over 40 pro-life and pro-family leaders. It states, in part:

A girl or woman who has an abortion is not in the same position as if she had never been pregnant. Once a girl becomes pregnant, a girl’s choice between abortion and carrying the pregnancy to term is a choice between two options with very real consequences…

Because minors lack life experience and context, they are especially likely to give in to suggestions or pressure from others, including the child’s father, that abortion is the best option. This is especially true in cases of abuse by an adult.

Parental consent plays an essential role in protecting against these harms caused by abortion.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Legal Affairs Director Katie Daniel spoke of the law’s importance, saying:

In the state of Montana, girls who aren’t old enough to get their ears pierced on their own can now get an abortion without mom or dad ever knowing.

If you’re a parent in Montana, this means someone who is not you and does not share your values gets to decide what happens to your kids. This is far too extreme for the people of Montana.

We stand with Attorney General Knudsen as he fights for the rights of parents and the safety of their children.

Knudsen expressed his appreciation for the support in a statement.

“It’s great to receive this amicus support from states and organizations across the country,” he said. “I hope the U.S. Supreme Court takes up this case and reverses the state Supreme Court’s bad decision.”