Montana Judge Denies Planned Parenthood's Request to Block Pending Abortion Ban

A judge in Montana has denied a request by Planned Parenthood to block a bill that would ban dilation and evacuation abortions, which are typically used later than 15 weeks into a pregnancy. The ban will take effect immediately if Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signs it. Planned Parenthood argued the law is unconstitutional based on a 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that found that the state Constitution’s right to privacy includes the right to have a pre-viability abortion from a provider of the patient’s choice.