2022 Montana Code Annotated
Title 50. Health and Safety
Chapter 20. Abortion
Part 3. Woman's Right to Know
50-20-307. Civil remedies

50-20-307. Civil remedies. (1) A person who performs an abortion in knowing or reckless violation of this chapter may be liable for actual and punitive damages in an action brought by the woman upon whom an abortion was performed or, if the woman is under 18 years of age or is physically or mentally incapacitated for purposes of being able to decide whether to bring and pursue an action, then, on the woman's behalf, by either:

(a) the father of the unborn child who was the subject of the abortion; or

(b) the grandparent of an unborn child who was the subject of the abortion.

(2) A person who attempts to perform an abortion in knowing or reckless violation of this chapter may be liable for actual and punitive damages in an action brought by the woman upon whom an abortion was attempted.

(3) If the department fails to issue the public report required in 50-20-306, a group of 10 or more citizens may seek an injunction, in a court of competent jurisdiction, against the director of the department to require that a complete report be issued within a period established by court order. Failure to comply with an injunction subjects the director to sanctions for civil contempt.

(4) If judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff in any action described in this section, the court shall award reasonable attorney fees in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant.

(5) An abortion or attempted abortion performed in violation of this chapter is the basis for a professional disciplinary action under 37-1-316.

History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 566, L. 1995.